The Lansing Tops Market donated a palate of groceries to the Lansing Food Pantry Wednesday as part of its ribbon cutting and Grand Reopening celebration.  The Lansing store is celebrating its first major redecoration since the store first opened.  Food Pantry Director Nancy Myers was at a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning to accept a palette of food to give to families in need.

"We were chosen to receive $500 worth of food," Myers says.  "They asked my what food I would prefer.  Staples at our food pantry include peanut butter,  and cereals, but also soups and spaghetti sauces, because children are home for the summer.  So we try to provide more of that because it's easier for them to prepare if their parents work."

Myers says that the palette will be about a five foot cube of foods most suited to giving away during the summer when children are home from school.


"During the summer we try to give twice as much because children are home," she says.  "We could probably give it all away in one food pantry day. Through the Food Bank of the Southern Tier we spend about $1,000 a month.  We also have donations from Lansing Market and others, but it's going to go."

The Lansing store has been refitted with a local theme, featuring photographs from Lansing history in a big mural in the vestibule, and at locations around the store.  The donation to the Lansing Food Pantry is in keeping with the local theme.  Store Manager Rich Szachta says the celebration will go on for customers for about six weeks with special prices and giveaways.

The $1.65 million renovation included a revamped produce department, prepared foods and deli departments, a new pharmacy, exotic meats, an updated brew market and bulk section, and the introduction of a new freshly fried donut program.  The Ithaca Tops on South Meadow Street was also updated with a new soup bar, an enhanced floral department and new paint and décor.  Rennovations to both stores represented a $1.9 million investment.

"The Ithaca community is a unique and tight-knit community and we are proud to be a part of it," said Frank Curci, chairman, president and CEO of Tops Markets, who was on hand for Wednesday's celebration.  "We value our shoppers' feedback and have brought the necessary changes that will provide them with an even better and enjoyable shopping experience."

Myers brought Food Pantry volunteers with her to be part of the celebration, and to haul the food back to the Food Pantry, which is located at the RINK.

"I feel quite blessed that we were chosen.  Many people shop there from Dryden, Freeville and all over.  But I understand their store is in Lansing and that's why we were picked."

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