The Cooperstown Food Pantry has announced its new executive director.
Valerie Jackson, a former nutrition outreach and education program coordinator at Catholic Charities in Oneonta, “will be responsible for the operation of the Cooperstown Food Pantry’s programs, community engagement, and fundraising, as well as working with staff and volunteers to ensure successful day-to-day operations and positive client experiences,” a news release from the pantry stated.
Jackson succeeds Will Kleffner, who has been with the pantry for four years and is taking a position at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Board President Sharon Oberriter said, “We are so pleased to have Valerie as Will’s successor. She shares our passion for caring for our neighbors. Her former role in the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program has given her essential insights and understanding of the needs of the neighbors we serve in our mission of dealing with food security.
“Valerie’s strong relationships with our staff and collaborative relationships with our fellow food pantries, county agencies, and local nonprofits can only continue to strengthen our programs at a time when our families are increasingly challenged to provide for their needs,” she said.
Jackson said, “I welcome the opportunity to help direct the Cooperstown Food Pantry in addressing poverty and hunger in the region and to continue to grow as a model organization for community food security.”
The Cooperstown Food Pantry, which served more than 8,395 people in 2025 according to the release, is open six days a week: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. People in need of food assistance can call the pantry at 607-547-8902 to place an order and arrange a time to pick up.
For more information, see cooperstownfoodpantry.org.