Beneath the beauty of Sag Harbor, the exclusive seaside community where the average gross income was $95,298 in 2004, there are 400-600 individuals every month who go to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry at the Old Whalers Church for food. "People gasp when I tell them how many low income families with lots of children, single mothers, single grandmothers, the elderly and migrant workers from this community don't have the money to buy food," says Lillian Woudsma, Director for three years of the Food Pantry.

Lillian Woudsma Photo by Plum TV

Woudsma says the giving of coats, food, and money increases during the holiday season because of sentimental television commercials. "We don't see those types of commercials during the summer, and as a result we hardly see a dime. Hence, people only think about feeding the poor in Nov. and Dec., but what about June and July? People have to eat more than once a year," she stresses. "What about the kids that need a bathing suit in July, and can't go swimming because they only have underwear?"

With a restaurateur and catering background, the former proprietor of Bayview Seafood Market says good wholesome food is her passion. "I believe all people should have good fresh food. I'm not a nutritionist but I know a lot about food. I know how to handle food, prepare it, and make it look pretty. And with 35 years in the business I respect food and the people that handle it. I'm good with people, they don't frighten me, so I feel this is a perfect venue for me to be in at this time in my life," she admits.

When Wousdma took over the Food Pantry from Ellen Stahl she moved the distribution from a closet to the kitchen area of the church. "And it's much better now that there's room. We needed it for the 'Fresh Is Better' program I instituted, which includes milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, breads, fresh vegetables and fruit. We strive to give people good, fresh food every week, and I've gathered excellent enthusiastic volunteers who work tirelessly to do it."

You won't find any junk food, processed food or food with preservatives at The Sag Harbor Food Pantry, that's a general rule Woudsma doesn't waver from. "There's no comparison to whole, fresh food," she says. Each week they give out potatoes, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, apples, oranges, bananas, along with beef, chicken, or pork. "That is my mainstay. I don't believe in processed food. We don't pass out hot dogs, and rarely cold cuts. You won't find any soda, juices with only ten percent juice, or white bread here. It's whole wheat bread. And if they don't know how to cook what we give out, then we supply them with instruction and recipes," she explained.

Woudsma said 'her people' are not the worker bees with high-powered jobs that come to the food pantry. "Those homes are where you find that type of 'quick and easy' food. Not the lower economic echelon, they don't have the money to eat that way. They cook."

Since her reign, the community, Sag Harbor schools, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have been very generous to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry, and The Scouts help with fund raising. Woudsma strongly emphasizes that we teach our children at a young age to care for those less fortunate. "The Girl Scouts, second graders, and Boy Scouts do food drives, and when they come in we talk to them and explain not everyone is as fortunate to have a mommy and daddy and a home with food, heat, and nice clean clothes. A lot of these people who come in have nothing."

Although there is a misconception among a portion of people, "that they think the needy are ripping us off. Because many of the less fortunate have cell phones or big cars and others feel they shouldn't be taking from the Food Pantry. But who am I? I can't question whether or not they need it. As long as they live in Sag Harbor they can be one of our recipients."

She continues, "But for those who say they clearly don't believe in it, there are others in the community that support what we do. Most of the community treats us extremely well, and are very generous." Over the summer the Motor Yacht "Bad Girl" gave them a substantial donation, as well as The Sag Harbor Charity Cup Challenge who contributed $5,000. April Gornick and the "Save Sag Harbor" group have actively been putting the word out on their website, bringing the Food Pantry unexpected phone calls as to where to send donations.

Last year Cablevision ran a piece on the Food Pantry throughout Christmas which helped immensely, this year, the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 23 PLUM TV will air a feature interview with Woudsma three times a day. The resourceful Woudsma says what the Food Pantry is in most need of, "is money. So that we can buy the things that people need."

She says they always need warm clothing and summer clothes as well - (for babies through 12 year olds), children's beach shoes, bathing suits and beach items. "So the children can feel like all the other kids playing in the sand with shovels and buckets." Secondly, "We always need volunteers."

Woudsma, a volunteer herself, says this experience hasn't changed her that much. "I feel what I bring to this is a lot of expertise, more than others have. In my heart it's the right thing. I respect all walks of life, and I believe even if you don't have the money, you should always have good food. To others I'd say don't be judgmental and be generous all year through."

Donations to The Sag Harbor Food Pantry are 100 percent tax deductible. Lillian Woudsma can be reached at 631-329-2151, or for more information please visit www.SaveSagHarbor.com.