08/03/2026
Back to school event
What: JPC 31st Anniversary Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway
When: (Rain or Shine)
Monday, August 17, 2026, from 2 pm to 6 pm
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 2 pm to 6 pm
Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Johnson Park Green Community Center Food Pantry Wing
1415 West Street (Block), Utica, NY 13501
Contact: JPC Office (315) 734-9608
E-mail at [email protected]
Utica, NY. On behalf of the JCTOD Outreach, Inc. (dba) Johnson Park Center (JPC) Free Choice Food Pantry, Head, Hand & Heart (HHH) Youth Program, JPC/JPA Shelter & Safe Supportive Housing Program, our Program Participants, Staff, and Board of Directors are honored and grateful to have served the community with continuous positive change for 31 years.
We invite you to the JPC 31st Anniversary School Supplies Giveaway for disadvantaged families, seniors, and single individuals at the Johnson Park Green Community Center, 1415 West Street, Utica, New York 13501 "Rain or Shine" on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 2 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Friday, August 21, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm.
We welcome all low-income families, senior citizens, and single individuals who meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) low-income eligibility requirements (see chart below). For all individuals coming to the Food Pantry for the first time. JPC requires the head of household to bring identification (ID) for all individuals living with them. Acceptable Government-issued IDs such as:
1. Birth Certificates,
2. NYS Driver's Licenses,
3. NYS Photo IDs,
4. Social Security Cards, and
5. NYS Benefit Cards.
6. Medicaid Cards
7. Medicare Cards.
For our JPC Food Pantry Consumers who need to recertify for the JPC Annual Low-Income Recertification, please bring your JPC Food Pantry Card (JPCFPC), the Acceptable government-issued Identification (IDs) as previously stated for all people in your household, and meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) low-income eligibility requirements (see chart below)
About "The School Supplies," all registered students from ages three to 18 years of age listed on the parent or caregiver as head of household will receive school supplies:
(1) current Johnson Park Center Pantry Card (JPCFPC),
(2) temporary JPCFPC issued on-site on the day of the event for lost, new, or updated Food Pantry Intake Applications
(3) For Adult Students, age 19 and over, current or temporary JPCFPC as head of household with an acceptable government-issued Issue for proof of age, documented proof of school, education, or training programs attending.JPC Registration/Intake Personnel will give the head of household School Supplies Tickets based on the number of registered students.
We offer parking for those traveling by car or vehicle. The entry point for our food distribution line is located in the 1400 block, starting from the corner of Arthur and West Streets and leading towards the Johnson Park Green Community Center Food Pantry Wing at 1415 West Street, Utica, NY 13501. Please go to our registration station.
Our dedicated registration personnel will scan each head of household's JPC Food Pantry Cards (JPCFPC). To ensure a smooth process, please present a government-issued ID corresponding to your JPCFPC.
If you, as the head of the household, are visiting the JPC Food Pantry for any of the following reasons:
a. For your first visit, you will complete a Food Pantry Intake Application.
b. To add or remove individuals from your existing Food Pantry Intake application files.
c. To replace a lost JPCFPC.
Our registration personnel will guide you to the Intake Station, where friendly staff members are prepared to assist you in completing the necessary JPC Food Pantry Intake Application. You will be issued either a JPCFPC or a temporary JPCFPC, which you can use only for that day.
Please return to:
i. The Food distribution line, and the registration personnel will scan or review your JPCFPC or temporary JPCFPC.
ii. The next station to sign in and complete the documentation based on your JPCFPC or temporary JPCFPC. You will receive school supplies tickets based on the number of registered students on your JPCFPC or temporary JPCFPC
iii. Proceed to the (various food stations). At the School Supplies Station, a worker will collect your school supplies tickets, and you will receive your school supplies. After receiving the "School Supplies" and exiting the JPC Free Choice Food Pantry area.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for joining Positive Change at Johnson Park Center (JPC).
Rev. Dr. Maria A. Scates, D.D.
President / CEO / Founder
Based on Annual Incomes
2026 Guidelines*
Household Size------Income
1----------------------$35,910
2----------------------$48,690
3----------------------$61,470
4----------------------$74,250
5----------------------$87,030
6----------------------$99,810
7----------------------$112,590
8----------------------$125,370
