Food donations poured in just as need spiked in Yates County, according to Finger Lakes Times. Officials told lawmakers Jan. 5 that community support has helped offset flu season pressures and federal funding cuts.
The Hope Center received large food and cash donations, including six tons of food from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. At the same time, HEAP benefits restarted after a federal shutdown, with most of the 349 applications already approved.
County leaders also warned of trouble ahead. Childcare funding dropped sharply statewide, forcing a waiting list, while health officials flagged low vaccination rates as flu and COVID cases continue.
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