Assemblyman Stirpe: Food Drive Helps Combat Hunger in CNY This Winter
One of the biggest joys of the holiday season is gathering with family and friends and making special memories, many of which include a delicious meal followed by a week’s worth of leftovers. But, for many families, this time of year can be incredibly challenging as they struggle to put food on the table. This is especially true in the wake of this economic crisis. That’s why I’m once again hosting a food drive to support Central New York families facing food insecurity.
This year’s food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Central New York will run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Those who are able are encouraged to donate canned goods and other nonperishable food items, including peanut butter, dinner “mixes,” pasta, rice, grains, cereals, oatmeal, spices and seasonings. Donations can be dropped off at Tops Markets and at participating local libraries, including Fayetteville Free Library, Baldwinsville Public Library, Tully Free Library and Northern Onondaga Public Library.You can also drop off items at my district office, 7293 Buckley Road, Suite 201, N. Syracuse, during normal business hours or at the Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Food is being collected online as well at the Central New York Food Bank web site.
While it may be difficult to imagine, hunger is a serious problem right here in our own neighborhoods. Thousands of Central and Northern New Yorkers depend on charitable food programs, and many are in challenging financial situations that have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Devastatingly, about 29% of these individuals are children. While 32% have a working family member, a full 91% live below the federal poverty line and 41% earn less than $12,000 annually. This goes to show the complex circumstances that put hardworking people into this vulnerable state.[1]
As your voice in Albany, I’ve been working hard to support our neighbors in need. This past legislative session, I co-sponsored and passed a law making Nourish NY a permanent state program and secured $50 million in the state budget so it can continue its efforts both during and after the pandemic. This important initiative allows food produced by local farmers to be distributed to families across the state and, in turn, has helped boost the farming industry as well as combat food insecurity (Ch. 631 of 2021). While this initiative was originally created to mitigate the COVID-related disruptions to our state’s food supply chain, it’s since proved to be an essential tool in our recovery efforts.
Additionally, I fought to include an $80 million increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps ensure no one has to go to bed hungry. Gov. Hochul also recently enacted changes to this critical program to encourage more older adults and disabled individuals to take advantage of these benefits. This includes simplifying the application, extending the duration households can receive and making the recertification process easier.[2]
While it can be easy for us to get wrapped up in the busiest time of year, I hope those who can, will join me in the fight against hunger. There’s no greater act than giving back – it’s what this season is truly all about. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.