April was a busy month at the Community Action Food Pantry, and we were able to keep up with the increased demand, thanks to our friends at the Northern New York Community Foundation.
The Foundation made a gift of $1,500 which allowed us to purchase 2,565 pounds of assorted fruits, vegetables, pasta and protein from the Food Bank of Central New York. The grant was received at a crucial time, as many local residents continue to struggle to catch up on heating costs as result of a severely cold winter.
During the first few months of 2015, the Community Action Food Pantry served 3,160 individuals, providing food packages equating to a total of 47,400 meals. April was a peak month for pantry usage with 993 visitors receiving 14,895 meals. Thirty-three percent of those served through the food pantry are children under the age of 18.
Visitors to the food pantry are provided with a five-day supply of food (three meals per day) for each member of the household. Food packages contain a variety of food items in keeping with nutrition guidelines from the Food Bank of Central New York.
The pantry receives financial support from a variety of sources, including the Food Bank of Central NY, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and the Northern New York Community Foundation, as well as donations and food drives coordinated by area businesses and individuals.
For more information about the Food Pantry or other Community Action services, please contact 315.782.4900, extension 271.