About — Rondout Valley Food Pantry

Our Goal

We’re committed to the idea that “It takes a village,” so we aim to help members of our community help each other. Given today’s circumstances, one paycheck or emergency can determine whether or not our neighbors can put food on their table. That’s why we’re here— to make sure that they can.

So where do we get our food?

Our main sources include: The Northeast Regional Food Bank, food rescue and harvesting programs, local businesses and donations from the community.

Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about how you can become a part of our work!

Our History

Founded in 1990 by the Reverend Deacon Judy Borzomato, the Rondout Valley Food Pantry has been dedicated to serving our community for over 30 years.

The pantry began in the basement of Christ the King Episcopal Church’s rectory, funded by parishioner donations and Deacon Judy’s discretionary funds.

Over the years, the pantry has evolved into a much larger, independent entity and is registered as of 2009 as a charitable 501(c)3 organization in the State of New York.

Our Leadership

Board President

Susan Bruck

Sue has been the Board President since 2017 and has lived in Ulster County most of her life. Her volunteering career has included leadership positions in Ulster County 4-H, the Marbletown Reformed Church, AYSO, and the Rondout Valley Central School District She is honored to work for and with the community creating lasting relationships and memories for everyone involved with an emphasis on removing all stigma from the food pantry experience.

Board Vice President

Ginger Whispell

Ginger has been the Board Vice President since 2018. She has lived in the area her entire life. She became involved with the pantry because she strongly feels that food insecurity should not be an issue. There should never be a reason for someone to worry about having enough food for themselves or their family. She believes that everyone who needs the help should feel comfortable to come to our pantry and be able to get what they need.

Treasurer

Julianna Arms

Julianna brings over 25 years of experience in early education and a deep passion for community service. She is currently the Director and Head Teacher at Lederman Children's Center and previously worked as the children's librarian at the Stone Ridge Library for 24 years.

Julianna has had the pleasure of living in the community with her family for over 30 years. She believes that by supporting a community through volunteering, you not only make a direct difference in the lives of others, but you build support systems and provide a richer environment for our children.

Recording Secretary

Brittney Donovan

Brittney Donovan has been with the Rondout Valley Food Pantry since 2018. Born and raised in the Rondout Valley, she is currently a workforce development researcher for Rutgers University. Brittney has extensive volunteer experience working to alleviate hunger and food insecurity throughout the United States with AmeriCorps NCCC and other non-profits. She enjoys serving her community and making sure people are taken care of.

Board Member

Samantha Bruck

Samantha has been an RVFP Board member since 2018 and has lived in Ulster County most of her life. Her volunteering career has included leadership positions in The Nature Conservancy, The Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR), Ulster County 4-H, The Tim Bruck Holiday Fund, The Stone Ridge Library, The Washington Avenue Senior Residence, and Christ The King Annual Toy Drive. She is honored to work for and with the community- creating lasting relationships and memories for everyone involved, with an emphasis on removing all stigma from the food pantry experience.

Board Member

Kathie Hikade

Kathie originally became involved with the Food Pantry as a volunteer driver during Covid and loved the people she worked with and the families she met. When the liaison between her church and the food pantry resigned after many years of service, Kathie agreed to take on the role serving as a board member.

Board Member

Thomas Jackson

He retired from a long career in public service, including five terms as Town Supervisor of Marbletown. His mother Ann Jackson was a long-time volunteer at the Rondout Valley Food Pantry and Tom wanted to continue her tradition of giving back to the community through serving the Food Pantry and Backpack Program. Tom also serves as the liaison between the RFVP and the Community Church of High Falls.

Board Member

Lyra Leigh-Nedbor

Born and Raised in High Falls, Lyra recently returned to the area after living and working in Montana. While in Montana, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA, completed a master’s degree, and had the pleasure of working for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank as the child nutrition programs coordinator. In this role she expanded the Healthy KidsPack program, piloted and implemented school pantries, and grew the Kids Summer Lunch Program. Currently, she works for the NY State Education Department in the Office of Child Nutrition Administration where she enjoys traveling the state to support and review school nutrition programs. Lyra is passionate about equitable access to nutritious food for all and is excited to serve on the board.

Board Member

Laurie Roosa

Laurie has been a Town of Marbletown resident for over thirty years. She's been a preschool teacher for seventeen years in Stone Ridge. Currently, she works with Julianna Arms as the assistant teacher at Lederman Children's Center.

Before working in preschool, she was a one-on-one special ed assistant at Rondout Valley. She became involved with the food pantry in honor of her dad, who believed no one should go hungry. Her father was a cook in the army during the Vietnam War; he ensured that no man or child went hungry. Laurie hopes to continue giving back to her community for years to come.

Board Member

Rich Roosa

Rich Roosa is a lifelong Marbletown resident with an extensive volunteer history, including AYSO Soccer and 43 years with the Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Department. Most recently he became the Vice President of The Tim Bruck Holiday Fund, a local organization that provides Christmas toys and gifts to area children. Rich has been a volunteer with the RVFP for over five years.