As of March 2023, SNAP benefits (previously known as “food stamps”) have been reduced to pre-pandemic levels. Households receiving assistance will experience a minimum of a $95 per month reduction in their benefits. For a family of four, this policy leaves them with $289 less a month to spend on food.
While SNAP benefits have returned to pre-pandemic levels, food prices have not. Food inflation is currently over 10%. Even before this change to SNAP benefits, attendance at our food pantries has been up 40% from last year. The effects of these changes are already impacting our community.
This past Monday, we had a record high number of families participate in our Greenwich Food Pantry service. We anticipate that this is just the beginning of the increase in demand for support during this time. Emergency food agencies will see increased use of their pantries. People will increasingly need to decide between heat & utilities, rent, gas, insurance, and food. More people will be hungry.
CFC wants to do everything we can to help those in need during this time, but we're facing constraints on our end as well. There is a proposed 40% reduction in our main funding stream from NYS to gather and distribute food to those who need it.
Here is what you can do to help:
1) Donate:
2) Organize food drives and funding campaigns through local businesses or your place of work
Get creative! Get together with your friends, family, and coworkers to collect food items that can be donated to CFC or your local food pantry (be sure to look up donating guidelines for the organization you plan to donate to beforehand).
3) Share This Article
You never know who may be in crisis and in need of emergency food resources. By sharing this article, you are helping distribute information on resources to those who need it most.
Resources:
Greenwich Food Center
Cossayuna Pantry
In partnership with the Southern Adirondack Library System, CFC delivers food from local farms to libraries throughout the region every week of the year, free to all. Contact libraries directly for hours & food availability.
A toll-free call to 211 connects you with local organizations that provide critical social services including food pantries. Sponsored by the United Way.
The Food Connect Map from the Food Pantries of the Capital District helps locate food pantries and other social services across the state.
The Salvation Army has a similar resource map. The Salvation Army has social workers who can work with you one-on-one to get the specific resources you need.
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