Syracuse, NY. (NCC News) – In October of 2022, the Food Bank of Central New York distributed 1.6 million pounds of food. This October, it gave out over 2.1 million pounds, a percent spike of 27%.
The food bank says the last time it saw this level of need was at the height of the pandemic during the fall of 2020.
It said underemployment is forcing people to make difficult decisions about the costs of housing, transportation and food.
Talles Navarro is a Brazilian immigrant who relied on food pantries a few years ago when he first moved to the United States. He referenced the food quality of these organizations as a potential issue.
“Usually it’s out of the best date,” he said. “They serve a lot of canned food which is not very healthy, so I usually avoid those type of foods.”
Others, like Oswego resident David Wingard, think the biggest issue causing a rise in distribution rates comes from people abusing the system in place.
“I feel there’s an increased number of people that aren’t taking a proper amount of care for themselves and providing for themselves that should be,” he said. “and it’s putting an impact on the people that are having a hard time maybe once of twice, that really deserve the help.”
The food bank is expected a complete a warehouse expansion this spring, to manage the growing demand.
It’s open on weekdays from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.