Syracuse, N.Y. — The Food Bank of CNY is on track to give out a record-high 24 million pounds, which is more than they’ve ever given out in a year.
The CNY Food Bank serves 11 counties in New York, but a third of the food goes to Onondaga County alone. Much of that food is distributed to local food pantries.
“When I was working, I didn’t come here as frequently because…I could provide my own means. But when I lost my job, I had no choice but to come back and eat,” said Victor Overton, a Syracuse resident.
Overton was one of many people who had used Saint Lucy’s Food Pantry, located in downtown Syracuse, more recently.
Overton’s food was not only for himself, but also for his mother. He said when he walks into his mom’s house with bags full of food she’s always ecstatic.
“Her face lights up. I’m not gonna lie. She’s so happy. She’s struggling by herself. So, when I don’t come through, times be hard and difficult, Since she don’t really have the means. She don’t work,” Overton said.
Along with the loss of his job, Overton found getting food more difficult due to the recent increase in grocery prices.
“The prices for food now these days is so expensive and high, it’s hard for people. People don’t understand if you don’t even got a good job paying good money, then it’s hard to sustain off $400.00 every two weeks,” Overton said.
Murray Gould, the director of Saint Lucy’s Food Pantry, agreed with Overton.
“You and I experience it when we go to the grocery store, what the cost is…so our clients here are no different,” Gould said
He added that the food pantry has seen an increase in visits by 25%-30% this year compared to last year. With the Food Bank providing more food than ever to residents like Overton, Gould said his number one need is not more food, but more volunteers.
“We’re in an effort to recruit more volunteers…We need 24 to 29 more for an optimum amount,” Gould said.
Transcript
Victor Overton (VO): “When I was working, I didn’t come here as frequently because I was working so I could provide my own means. But when I lost my job, I had no choice but to come back and eat, look for help”
Sean Tessler (ST): That is Victor Overton, one of many people who have used Saint Lucy’s Food Pantry, located in downtown Syracuse, more recently. According to the Food Bank of Central New York, they’re on track to give out a record-high 24 million pounds of food by the end of June.
ST: “In this freezer are boxes of pork chops, 60 pounds each, waiting to be served to a community in growing need.”
VO: The prices for food now these days is so expensive and high, it’s hard for people. People don’t understand if you don’t even got a good job paying good money, then it’s hard to sustain off $400.00 every two weeks,”
ST: The director of the food pantry, Murray Gould, is in agreement.
Murray Gould (MG): “You and I experience it when we go to the grocery store, what the cost is[…] so our clients here are no different.”
ST: Overton’s food isn’t only for himself, but also for his mother. He says when he walks into his mom’s house with bags of food…
VO: “Her face lights up. I’m not gonna lie. She’s so happy. She’s struggling by herself. So when I don’t come through time, be hard and difficult. Since she don’t really have the means, she don’t work.”
ST: With the Food Bank providing more than ever to people like Overton, Gould says his most important need isn’t extra canned fruits or bread, but extra hands.
MG:“We’re in an effort to recruit more volunteers[…] We need 24 to 29 more for an optimum amount.”
ST: Sean Tessler, NCC News.