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 Local food banks say they're in short supply and need your help. Today is the beginning of the Help Stamp Out Hunger annual campaign. Over the next week letter carriers will collect non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries.
Some food pantries are concerned about not having enough to meet the need. “A lot of people contribute, mostly a small can or a box or both.” John Farrell looks forward to coming to work during the Help Stamp Out Hunger campaign.
He says it's gratifying to know he's helping to make difference. “At the end of the day you get back, you realize all those small contributions add up and they take a few couple of truckloads over to the church.”
Letter carriers, along with their union and the United Way kicked off the annual campaign this morning. The Pittsford Food Cupboard served as the backdrop. Its list of clients is growing.
It may be thought that only certain people go to food pantries. But the volunteers at the Pittsford Food Cupboard say they are serving people who live right in Pittsford. Records show the number of suburban clients has doubled this year.
“When you feed 60 families in a week, the shelves get bare very quickly.” Kelly Gilman with the Food Cupboard blames corporate downsizing at a time when costs for gas, food and other items are growing.
“That can be devastating to a family that's right on the edge. That can put them over the edge.” United Way President Peter Carpino shares the story of a little girl who depends on the meals at a neighborhood center. Carpino says she cried because it was Friday.
“The little girl through her sobs said I’m so upset because I know I won't have anything to eat until I come back here on Monday.” Donations of food may make a difference for that little girl and many other families in our community.
You can help by leaving food items in your mailbox. Things like peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, crackers and cereal are preferred.
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