We are sounding the alarm because we are witnessing double- and triple-digit spikes in guest visits and growing pressure on staff, volunteers, and supply chains due to the food security crisis here in New York.
With 1 in 3 New Yorkers having used a food pantry in the past three years, and 1.8 million New York City residents relying on SNAP to buy groceries for their families, put simply, we have a cost of living problem. The uncertainty of whether or not people will receive their SNAP benefits – and if so, how much of their benefits — has caused extreme anxiety in the communities we serve, driving droves of people to New York Common Pantry.
The increase in demand is palpable and our staff and volunteers are working hard to meet it. When comparing last week (beginning Nov. 3) to the previous week (beginning Oct. 27) we saw a 52% increase in households served. In addition, we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of individuals signing up for our Pantry services or renewing their memberships. This past week, our case managers in Manhattan saw a 118% increase in the number of households they enrolled in Pantry services and their counterparts in the Bronx saw a 90% increase as compared to the same week last year.
New York Common Pantry is rising to the challenge to ensure that each and every guest who comes to our door will be served. To do so, I’m asking again for your help. Please consider making a donation today, so we can continue to provide a critical safety net for vulnerable New Yorkers. And thank you to everyone who recently has sent a donation to help us through this difficult time. Together, as a community, we will prevail.
Volunteer at New York Common Pantry