The Alix Rubinger Food Pantry, the only kosher food pantry on Long Island, was the recent recipient of a $2,500 grant to be used to help Congregation Beth-El in Massapequa to continue providing this unique service.

Run by the members of Congregation Beth-El, the pantry stocks kosher food that is made available to people of all religious backgrounds.

The pantry, which is now in its fifth year of operation, was begun at the suggestion of Congregation Beth-El's rabbi, who felt that there was a need to provide kosher food to those who couldn't afford it.

"The pantry benefits the Jewish community by providing kosher food to those who don't have the means to buy it themselves," explained the president of the pantry Barry Shorten. "However, the pantry is nonsectarian. It is open to generally anyone who has the need for food."

According to Shorten, the food is distributed in two ways. Primarily, people will come to the synagogue and visit the separate facility set up in the building where they can take the food they need. There are also some agencies that send representatives to take food and then they distribute it to people's homes, more specifically those people who would not be able to go shopping themselves."

Shorten expressed his gratitude to Senator Charles Fuschillo, (8th Senate District) for his success in obtaining the grant. "We are fortunate to be able to have the food pantry and the continued ability to help others in need."

"Congregation Beth-El provides excellent programs for community members of all faiths," said Fuschillo. "Numbers of people within our community have benefited from the food pantry in times of need, and I am pleased to have won this grant so that the congregation might continue their generous efforts."