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Food‑pantry leader warns of 50% regional cuts and volunteer shortfall; asks town for assistance
Summary
Ancram Neighbors Helping Neighbors reported a projected 50% cut to regional food‑bank budgets and said volunteers are aging out; the pantry asked the town to consider staffing help and publicity for its scholarship program.
A representative from Ancram Neighbors Helping Neighbors told the board that the regional food bank expects significant federal cuts that will halve its budget for distributing USDA‑purchased food. “They're expecting a cut of 50% of their their budgets,” he said, and added that food already purchased is sitting in warehouses without funds for transport.
The pantry representative said local donations and farm partnerships (including Rocksteady Farm and Sky High Farm) have helped sustain the pantry financially, but volunteer labor is declining as older volunteers retire and younger people are working daytime jobs. The pantry requested help thinking through ways the town might assist—temporarily or by recruiting volunteer shifts—so weekly distribution can continue. The representative also noted a scholarship program for vocational and college students with applications due at the end of June and asked the town to host a link on the website to increase visibility.
Boardmembers agreed to post the scholarship link and to consider whether the town can assist with volunteer recruitment or other non‑recurring support. No budget motion to fund the pantry directly was made at the meeting.
