About AnnaBelle and Michael

Hi, we are AnnaBelle and Michael.  While we both concepualized the idea for AnnaBelle's Pantry, I (Michael) have transitioned from Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator to President of AnnaBelle's Pantry to keep the mission alive in the tri-state area while AnnaBelle ventures off to college and starts her own chapter in New England. I (AnnaBelle) was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was 6 years old.  At that time, my pediatrician indicated that I was not growing or gaining weight, and he was concerned that I was "failing to thrive."

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects how my body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.  My immune system's adverse response significantly limits my ability to absorb necessary nutrients.  Since my initial diagnosis, I (AnnaBelle) have been on an exclusively gluten-free diet.  

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in the winter of 2020 , many people lost their incomes; a growing number of individuals, including those experiencing food allergies/sensitivities, suddenly found themselves experiencing food insecurity.  Typically, allergy-friendly foods are far more expensive than allergen-containing foods. With families experiencing more financial stressors due to job loss and unforseen medical expenses, an onerous burned was added to families, which needed to stretch every dollar to take care of basic needs.  During quarantine, we thought about the foods we often see people donating to pantries and realized that very few items donated were appropriate for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities. I (AnnaBelle) knew how difficult it was to navigate the dietary restrictions related to celiac, which has spawned my interest in medicine. I (Michael) offered to reach out to local, regional, and national business, using my platform as an actor and Broadway performer to cultivate relationships with Katz's Gluten Free, Stop N Shop, Bob's Red Mill, Jessica's Natural Foods, Crunchmaster, Mush, and planning multiple collection drives throughout the year at local schools, libraries, and t.

We absolutely wanted to make a difference! I began to coordinate food donations that were allergy-friendly and allergen-free, collecting gluten free, dairy free, and nut free items, which we distributed to pantries throughout Long Island.  Subsequently, we partnered with Island Harvest and have worked diligently on behalf of families in need of specialized foods. 

That's the story of how AnnaBelle's Pantry was first born. Please help share our message of hope for individuals suffering from food insecurity! 

It is only through advocacy and hard work that we can truly make an impact on the world around us.  Are you willing to lend a hand and donate allergy-friendly and alllergen-free food to AnnaBelle's Pantry? Please click on the Ways to Help link to join our important mission!