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Ulster County Legislature Issues Proclamation for Hunger Action Month; Regional Food Bank and Local Pantries Urge Support
Summary
The Ulster County Legislature presented a proclamation recognizing Hunger Action Month to the Regional Food Bank; local partners described rising food insecurity and urged continued community support amid SNAP cuts and increased need.
The Ulster County Legislature presented a proclamation in recognition of Hunger Action Month to representatives of the Regional Food Bank, which distributes food across 23 counties, according to remarks at the meeting. County leaders said the proclamation acknowledges the Regional Food Bank's role and the work of local food pantries and volunteers.
Vice Chair Sperry introduced the proclamation, which said the Regional Food Bank and its partners distribute more than 54,000,000 pounds of food annually and that nearly 25,000 people in Ulster County — described in the proclamation as about one in seven adults and one in five children — lack consistent access to nutritious food.
Barry Lewis, senior public affairs officer for the Regional Food Bank, and Felicia Collin, Hudson Valley executive vice president, accepted the proclamation with local partner organizations including Christine Hein of People's Place, Paul Rakoff of Family of Woodstock, and Rick Orlando of Good Neighbor Food Pantry on the dais.
Christine Hein of People's Place described growing demand in Kingston-area services: "Last month alone, just in the community cafe, we did over a thousand meals compared to the same time last year," she said, and added that People's Place handles SNAP outreach and application assistance and sees many households repeatedly denied SNAP benefits. Hein also noted that undocumented residents are not eligible for SNAP and therefore rely on local pantries.
Rick Orlando (Good Neighbor Food Pantry) highlighted changing demographics of pantry users, saying he has "seen a dramatic increase in young families" who are seeking help because the rising costs of rent, insurance and other necessities leave less income for food.
Speakers and the proclamation urged continued donations and volunteer support. Vice Chair Sperry and the legislature thanked the food-bank representatives and local pantry volunteers, and the proclamation was entered on the legislative record.
What happens next: The proclamation recognizes Hunger Action Month; the Regional Food Bank and local pantries continue to solicit donations, volunteers and partnerships to meet increased demand.
