MASSENA -- An emergency food pickup service for Massena area families is available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. It is organized by the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Food pantry coordinator Tom Proulx said, “We give out about 300 emergency food boxes each month.”

The food pantry procedures have changed, for greater safety during the COVID-19 crisis. Now clients receive pre-packaged food boxes at the front door, rather than going inside to choose food.

“We prefer people call ahead, so that way food boxes can be prepared before they come for pickup,” said program manager Alice Felix. Food boxes are packed based on family size, to provide meals for five days.

If food cannot be picked up by clients, it can be delivered that same day if ordered by noon.

St. Vincent de Paul also offers a monthly food distribution program for any resident of St. Lawrence County. It has changed to a drive-thru, with no need to call ahead.

The next food distribution day is April 18 from 9-10:30 a.m. or until items are depleted. There is no delivery for this program.

“There has been a definite increase in the number of people coming,” said Proulx, since COVID-19. There were 199 families who received food boxes at the food distribution day in March, an increase of about 50 families over the average number served per month.

Much of the pantry’s food is supplied by the Food Bank of Central New York. Through the Feeding America program, food is also purchased from local grocers, including BJ’s, Aldi, Price Chopper and Walmart.

The food pantry is located at 128 Main St., Massena. To place an order, or for more information, call at 315-769-1200.