The Perinton Food Shelf needs some help restocking its food pantry.

The emergency food relief organization on Turk Hill Road helps neighbors in need who reside in the 14450 zip code.

There are more than 100 volunteers who help collect, sort and deliver emergency food for the Perinton Food Shelf. Dave Conrad’s been volunteering for more than 25 years.

"Truly, it is the above and beyond effort from the volunteers that makes this go,” said Conrad, the organization’s president. “We have a board of directors and I really have never in my life worked with a better group of people who are caring and competent and committed. Beyond that is the support of the community whether it's church or other organization or individual that all basically provide all the food and monetary resources to keep it going. It all helps our clients who are the people in need who need some extra help in an emergency situation in the Fairport-Perinton area."

In 2019, the Perinton Food Shelf provided enough food for 53,000 meals.

“It sounds like a big number, and when you get it down to smaller numbers, it is about 150 meals per day,” Conrad said. “It is pretty astounding in a way.“

The Perinton Food Shelf started in 1982. Conrad said residents asking for food assistance increases every year.

“It has gone up, and when we hit the recession, it’s gone up and stayed up,” he said. “We’ve hit the 50,000 meal range since then. It doesn’t seem to be dropping off. Monetary donations help purchase fresh food. Target and Aldi also donates."

Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone who needs emergency food assistance can contact the Perinton Food Shelf at 585-425-7410.