About the IFC
About us…
The Interreligious Food Consortium (IFC) is a grassroots organization and a valuable resource in the extensive emergency food network serving the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. We build relationships to address food insecurity in our community.
With the support of individual, corporate, and faith-based contributors, we receive financial support and collect and distribute thousands of pounds of donated food each year to our affiliated emergency food pantries and programs, free of charge.
Who and What is the IFC?
The Interreligious Food Consortium is a small not-for-profit initially formed in 1982 by six small University Hill churches to address food insecurity of members of their congregations. It grew to a consortium of over 70 pantries at its height in the early 2000’s. Currently we serve approximately 30-40 very small and under-resourced pantries and senior housing, as well as crisis response providers such as case managers, social workers and educators. Although smaller in numbers now due to church closings, consolidations, or pantries lack of volunteers, the IFC continues to make a difference to those we serve. In addition, we are a referral service assisting individuals in locating the nearest food pantry that serves their neighborhood.
Recently we have had two significant issues arise that we are addressing:
We have partnered with Interfaith Works and the Blessing Box in addressing the unique needs of the refugee, immigrant and New American populations.
And throughout the pandemic the IFC has been the #1 resource for Onondaga County’s Health Department and the NYS Contact Tracing Counselors who refer us to families in quarantine who are in desperate need of food support. We collaborate with St. Lucy’s Food Pantry to augment that service with their donated perishable items of dairy, meats, bread, fruits and vegetables to such families and deliver directly to their homes. We are the only emergency responder to provide same day, 7-day a week, door to door service for our neighbors in need.
The IFC relies solely on individual donations derived from:
Our decades long history and regular financial support from individuals, corporations, and faith-based organizations
Newsletters of which our Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter editions highlight our efforts and supporters.
Our annual Fundraiser “Empty Bowls” held in association with Syracuse University School of Art and Clayscapes.
Food Drives, of which our two largest and most consequential being the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the USPS Food Drive. We welcome any group or agency willing to conduct a FOOD DRIVE for us!