Here’s What Cuts in Federal Aid to Food Banks Looks Like at Our Pantry
Our shelves were well-stocked before the USDA cut aid to Feeding Westchester and other food banks, which procure food then distribute to food pantries. At right, one of our shelves recently.
This could be a story about a bunch of numbers: In March, the USDA cut about $1 billion in aid for the federal government’s fiscal year that ends on September 30. The money enabled schools and childcare centers in 40 states to buy food from local farms and producers, and helped food banks procure food from local suppliers. The cut in aid means that as of today, Feeding Westchester, a food bank that our pantry depends on, is losing out on 1 million pounds of food worth $1.3 million, according to Bruce Jackson, the food bank’s director of marketing and communications.
“Feeding Westchester inventory has been more limited,” said Vera Halpenny, co-director of the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry. “We are not seeing as much protein and produce so we now need to purchase more than ever before.”
But people are the real story here: Working families in Westchester who struggle to afford rent, utilities and food, and seniors on a fixed income who find it hard to keep up with rising costs —these are our clients and they rely on our food pantry to get by.
To help the hungry, the folks at Feeding Westchester, part of Feeding America, work to get food and donations from manufacturers, retailers, growers and others. This nonprofit distributed over 23 million pounds of food in a recent 12-month period, helping to serve 229,000 county residents a month, on average.
Volunteers run food pantries and get food to families, and in Dobbs Ferry, we do that with the help of residents, community organizations and local businesses who donate food or money so that we can buy food. The hunger-relief business is a circle of neighbors helping neighbors by sharing what we have, and we’re always grateful to the farmers whose food fills our tables.
Gordon delivers weekly donations from Zion Episcopal Church in Dobbs Ferry, and is shown here with Sharon, a pantry volunteer. At center is the recent monthly donation from Ardsley United Methodist Church. Pantry volunteers raised money and awareness of hunger in our county by participating in the annual CROP Rivertowns Hunger Walk on April 6. Our volunteers were joined by Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor (in purple shirt), and MaryJane Shimsky, New York State Assemblymember, second from right.
Now What?
The number of families requesting food remains steady at our pantry, and we’re adding at least one new family each month. But more families will likely turn to food pantries if food prices increase, or there are funding changes to SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program that provides monthly funds to low-income households to buy groceries. So here’s what we can do together.
Spread the Word. Westchester is best known for its beautiful landscape and affluence, so some people are surprised to learn that one in three households are at risk of going hungry, according to Feeding Westchester. Even residents working two jobs may not earn enough to pay for the basic essentials, and some seniors struggle, too.
Donate Money. We’ll buy food and all donations go directly to helping our neighbors in need. You can donate using PayPal, a debit or credit card or by check.
Donate Food. Shop using our Amazon Wish List, it’s quick and easy. Or leave your food donation — canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, canned beans, whole grains, oatmeal and low-sugar cereal — in the bin outside of South Presbyterian Church. Please do not donate expired food or packaged food that’s been opened. It makes us sad. And we can’t accept food in glass containers and homemade items. We do welcome donations of diapers and baby wipes.
Organize a Food Drive. Involve children, neighbors or members of your church, synagogue or a community group that you’re part of. Here are some tips.
Send Us Your Ideas. Got an idea for a pantry fundraiser? Tell us. We’re at dobbsferrypantry@gmail.com.
Kimberly Janeway wrote this month’s newsletter.
Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry 