Blessing Box
Syracuse City is pleased to sponsor a blessing box to help improve food security in our community.
Blessing boxes are small pantries with donated, free food and essentials for those in need. Sustained by the community, the guiding philosophy of the blessing box is to:
“Take what you need and leave what you can.”
Located in front of the Syracuse Police Department at 1751 S 2000 W, the blessing box is a place where people can donate everyday necessities so anyone, at any time, who needs these items can come and grab what they need.
If there is no room inside the blessing box, please wait to make your donation. With the pantry being located outside and subjected to extreme temperatures throughout the year, not all foods are safe to donate.
Syracuse City is hosting the blessing box but is not monitoring donations and is not responsible for the contents located within. Recipients may take items at their own risk and are encouraged to review items thoroughly before use.
Please follow these guidelines when providing your donation.
CONSIDER DONATING
- Dry foods like pancake mix, rice, and pasta
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Crackers, granola bars, cereal, and instant oatmeal packets
- Individually packaged foods such as fruit cups, snack mixes, etc.
- One-box meals
- Kitchen staples (flour, sugar, salt, pepper)
- Self-stable milk
- Nutritional shakes / protein drinks
- Baby food
- Nut butter (avoid when hot)
- Commercially canned goods and sodas (safe between 34°F and 85°F outside)
- Can openers and small kitchen utensils (spatulas, measuring cups, spoons, etc.)
- Personal hygiene supplies such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine care products, etc.
- Laundry supplies
- Toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissues
- Baby supplies (lotion, diaper cream, diapers, wipes, bath supplies, etc.)
- Hats, gloves, and scarves (only during winter, and no other clothing)
AVOID DONATING
- Perishable foods and fresh produce
- Items packaged in glass
- Damaged canned goods
- Foods past the 'best by', 'use by', or 'sell by' date
- Sharps (razors, needles, etc.)
- Chemicals (harsh or dangerous cleaners)
- Alcohol and age-restricted items
- Used or previously opened items
We encourage residents to donate items past the 'best by' date to a food bank with the resources to monitor and evaluate donations. With temperature fluctuations that could further reduce quality, the guidelines are in place to promote the highest level of food safety.
There are plenty of other things that would be beneficial to donate. If you're buying everyday items for yourself, consider grabbing an extra to keep the items in the blessing box fresh and helpful.