Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) rolled up her sleeves last week to raise awareness about hunger in New York State. Last Thursday, Aileen served food with Leo Losey, Chef at the Federation for the Homeless in Monticello in recognition of Hunger Awareness Day (photo attached).

“Poverty is real – there are more hungry children, senior citizens and homeless than many would think,” Gunther said. “It’s important to give back to the community and volunteering at our local soup kitchens is a great way to help.”

Hunger Awareness Day is designed to raise awareness to the extent and severity of hunger in communities throughout New York. According to the Hunger Action Network, there are currently 3,000 food pantries and soup kitchens serving over 500,000 New Yorkers each week.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are over 700,000 families in New York who are hungry or threatened by hunger. That means one in ten families in New York, including children, senior citizens and people working low-wage jobs are having trouble making ends meet.

Gunther also noted her support of $28 million included in Governor Spitzer’s budget to meet the immediate hunger needs of New Yorkers through soup kitchens and food pantries.

For more information on the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless or to volunteer, please contact Cheryl Gugliotta at 845-794-2604.