The Food Bank of Central New York says it saw a 20 percent increase in households that need emergency assistance in March.
They saw an increase of 30 percent in the number of children being served by the Food Bank.
It’s a difficult mix of issues, as the state contends with significant issues with unemployment. Those in poverty have been hit hardest by the economic shutdown following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local dairy farmers have been donating much needed resources. On Friday, SUNY Morrisville hosted a dairy drive-thru, its second in a week. Dairy Farmers of America has teamed up with Dean Foods Processing Plants and American Dairy Association North East to host more drive-thru milk distributions, according to CNYCentral.
These events are open to the public, and for families in need. They have already donated 100,000 gallons of milk across the northeast. “It’s heartwarming to be able to be providing something to the communities and the communities that we operate it and it’s heartwarming to be able to help out where we can yet at the same time it’s heartbreaking that we’re in this situation,” said Jennifer Huson, Dairy Farmers of America Senior Director of Marketing, Council Affairs and Industry Relations.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.