IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — As Thanksgiving approaches, food pantries in the area are still providing for an increased number of visitors following the end of the government shutdown.
I visited the Irondequoit Community Cupboard on Culver Road and Rochester Family Mission to check on their food supply.
The food supply at both pantries is good. The executive director of the Rochester Family Mission said last week food was scarce, but Tuesday he said the situation was better.
“Time has changed—not for the better. Also, it’s hard times right now,” said Liz Ture, a visitor at the Irondequoit Community Cupboard.
Ture got her SNAP benefits, but still couldn’t afford fresh fruit from the store.
“It’s very hard to make ends meet. You know, pay bills, manage your property, and so on. And then the last thing you want to think about is the cost of food,” Ture said.
The executive director of the Irondequoit Community Cupboard estimated that triple the number of people have been visiting in recent weeks.
“People that we had never seen before, that never had to come to us and they were all of a sudden, you know, mostly panicked is what I’ve been seeing,” said Debbie Evans, the founder of the Irondequoit Community Cupboard.
The neighborhood has stepped up to help by volunteering and providing donations. Donations have kept the shelves stocked at the cupboard. During my hour-long visit, two vehicles full of donations stopped by to drop off food.
“We are so fortunate. They just do what they can. And you know, right now, with things being as expensive as they are. It’s blown me away,” said Evans.
Rochester Family Mission’s food pantry is also getting more donations recently.
“The food supply has been—it’s still a little scarce, but it’s been a lot better. We’re getting a lot more donations coming in, which is allowing us to keep up,” said the Executive Director of the Rochester Family Mission Warren Meeks Jr.
The donations are crucial as the pantry continues to see an increased number of visitors.
“There’s one day, we’ll have full shelves, and then the next day they’ll be practically empty. But then more donations will come through, so we’re able to sustain,” said Meeks Jr.
Visitors at each pantry are appreciative of the community’s support.
“I’m just very grateful for, the community for their assistance, for their help,” said Ture.
Meeks Jr. mentioned that there are multiple volunteer opportunities available at the Rochester Family Mission website here. The pantry is currently seeking volunteers for a Thanksgiving basket distribution on Saturday.
Looking for a food drive? Check out this story for a list of local food drives here: Guide to food drives in the Rochester area ahead of Thanksgiving
Local food pantries gearing up for holidays after the end of the government shutdown WHEC.com.
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