SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The prevalence of food insecurity in various parts of the United States has become a major issue as the number of individuals relying on food banks for their daily sustenance continues to rise. Unfortunately, the government’s recent decision to reduce funding for food banks by $22 million has left many vulnerable individuals and families wondering where they will turn for their next meal.
Central New York food bank is the one of the biggest food banks across Unites States, and it provides daily food supply to many local areas.
The Food Bank distributes food and grocery items to 350+ community partners in 11 counties across central and northern New York and the Mohawk Valley region.
In 2022, we distributed 17.9 million pounds of food, equal to 14.9 million meals for neighbors facing hunger. 💛🍽 pic.twitter.com/iO2HcaqEKm
— Food Bank of Central New York (@FoodBankofCNY) February 21, 2023
“Food bank of Central New York is the warehouse that keeps all the food for the agencies that we provide services to these agencies—food pantries, emergency sub shelters, senior centers,” Heidi Soine, the development manager at food bank of Central New York said.
From Soine, there is a wide range of dry goods available in CNY food bank. However, all of them are listed in real-time on a menu, and agencies have the option to place orders. Following an order, the dry goods are packaged and shipped directly to the door of the recipient.
Based on statistics from Feeding America, one out of every eight people in the United States is currently grappling with food insecurity, uncertain about where their next meal will come from. The recent funding cuts to food banks are expected to compound this crisis, further exacerbating the situation and leaving many without access to the basic necessities of life which affect lot on CNY food bank.
Karen Belcher is the executive director of The Food Bank of Central New York says that money is crucial for the food bank’s ability to help people.
“If the proposed $22 million budget cut in the governor’s budget were to be implemented, it would translate to a loss of approximately $1.8 million in funding for our food bank,” Belcher said.
This amount varies from one food bank to another.
“The current economic situation, combined with the rising cost of food and transportation,” She added. “That means that the $1.8 million loss in funding will result in a reduction in the level of support we can provide.”
According to Karen, the purchasing and transportation power of a dollar has been significantly reduced since pre-2019, making it challenging to maintain the same level of assistance with fewer resources.
“I would say that that 1.8 million is going to be at least a million pounds that we’re not able to get out, you know, we’re not able to access or distribute out into the community,” Karen said.
Karen worried what will happen to the pantry’s shelves if the Food Bank loses the state money. Some of the money funded the purchases of fresh produce, milk and meat from New York farmers.
“So it was helping us to provide more food, more fresh produce New York State grown in produce products, and it put the money back into New York state as well,” Karen said.
There is a Program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cooperated with CNY food bank to ensure the efficient food supply. However, the new food plan in Kathy Hochul’s budget will also burden the SNAP.
“The pressing issue at present is the anticipated surge in demand for food bank services over the next month,” Karen said. “And the reduction of funding for SNAP benefits for families may cause them to turn to food pantries for assistance.”
It’s challenging to predict how long the budget cuts will impact our food bank since much of it depends on the response from the community. CNY Food Bank are fortunate to have incredible donors and funders who support their mission to assist people who are experiencing food insecurity. Although the reduced budget will put a strain on Food Bank’s operation and the way they procure food, they remain committed to providing the necessary food to local community.
If you want to donate food to CNY Food Bank, click the link here or call (315) 437-1899.
