Our Policies

UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITY

In order to serve our community effectively, it's important for volunteers to have an understanding of the makeup of our clientele. The pantry serves individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique challenges and needs. Our clients may include seniors on fixed incomes, families with young children, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those facing unemployment or other financial hardships. Additionally, we serve individuals from various cultural backgrounds and may encounter language barriers. By familiarizing ourselves with the diverse demographics of our community, volunteers can better tailor their interactions to meet the specific needs of our clients, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who seek assistance from our food pantry. It is paramount that we approach our work with empathy and understanding, demonstrating our unwavering support without judgment.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The pantry is open for distribution every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM and every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, please check our website (www.sloatsburgfoodpantry.org), social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), or call the Pantry at (845) 618-5373 for possible delays or cancellations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Sloatsburg Food Pantry is committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment for all staff, volunteers, and clients. We strictly prohibit discrimination in all our programs and activities based on factors such as race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or income source from any public assistance program, in accordance with New York State and federal laws and regulations.

PANTRY SUPERVISION

Each food distribution is overseen by one or more of the following: a Pantry Coordinator, Board Chairperson or a member of the Board of Directors. They offer guidance and are available to address any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to ask them for assistance.

PRIVACY

Our clients are often our neighbors, and it's crucial to respect their privacy. Client information is strictly confidential, and it's important that no client information be shared outside of the Pantry. This ensures their trust and maintains the integrity of our services.

SAFETY

Safety is our top priority at the Pantry. We maintain a clean and organized environment to ensure the well-being of our volunteers and clients. Additionally, our staff members are equipped with pendants capable of instantly notifying the local police station in case of any potentially dangerous or threatening situations.

SEXUAL AND OTHER HARASSMENT POLICY

Sexual Harassment Policy

The Pantry is committed to providing a work environment free from sexual harassment and discrimination. Sexual harassment violates state and federal laws and is prohibited in all aspects of employment and volunteering at The Pantry, including interactions with clients, staff, volunteers, and any other individuals associated with our organization.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature when:

  • Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or volunteering.

  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or volunteering decisions affecting that individual.

  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Other Harassment Policy

The pantry is committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of harassment. Harassment based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law, is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Harassment includes unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, interferes with an individual's work performance, or otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment or volunteering opportunities. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, gestures, physical contact, threats, or displays of offensive materials related to an individual's protected characteristic.

Reporting Procedure

Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or any other form of harassment at the Pantry is encouraged to report the incident promptly to the pantry coordinator, the board chairperson or any other member of the staff. Reports may also be made anonymously by placing a call to the pantry main phone number at (845) 618 - 5373 (see also Contact Information).

Investigation and Resolution

All reports of sexual harassment or other harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Investigations will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and confidential manner. The organization will take appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteering, against any individual found to have engaged in sexual or other harassment.

Non-Retaliation

The pantry prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports sexual harassment or other harassment and/or participates in an investigation. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint or participates in an investigation is a violation of this policy and will result in disciplinary action.

Training

The pantry will provide regular training and education to employees and volunteers on sexual harassment prevention, including information on the organization's policy, reporting procedures, and legal obligations.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and to promote a safe and respectful work environment for all.

The Pantry is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, respect, and dignity for all individuals. We take allegations of sexual and other harassment seriously and will take prompt and appropriate action to address and prevent such behavior.