feel effects of economic downturn Hunger may not be readily apparent in this area, but it is here. The evidence can be found at local food shelves that do a brisk business in times of economic strength, and an even brisker business when the economy slows. Many residents may be surprised to learn that food shelves operate in several suburban communities – Hilton, Brockport, Hamlin and Spencerport - among others. At the Hamlin Bread and Thread, there is very definitely a greater demand for food at this time, according to Ray Datz, director of the Life Solutions Office that operates the food/clothing shelf. "We’re running a higher number of clients per week right now," Datz said. "It seems that many of our new clients have lost jobs." Often unemployment benefits don’t go far enough to help a family meet mortgage and utility payments, along with food shopping and other bills. In addition to supplying food, the Life Solutions program can help with a job search and mortgage payments. The economic downturn has been noticed at other local food shelves. Lisa O’Brien, director of the Brockport Food Shelf, said Brockport is experiencing an influx of new people, although not an overwhelming number, and the primary reason is unemployment. Brockport is serving about 306 individuals from 83 families at this time. Those are about the same numbers as served last January/February, but the number is up 20 percent from 1999 and 2000. "Most of our new requests of late are from people who have been laid off," said Pat Robinson of the Spencerport Food Shelf. "They call and say they’ve lost their jobs." Demand is up, but it is uncertain right now if giving is rising to meet the challenge. Robinson said the Spencerport Food Shelf experienced a decrease in monetary donations following September 11, but that cash donations are beginning to rebound to their former levels. Johnnie Lehman of the Brockport Food Shelf said that program felt the effects of the terrorist attack in the late fall. The Brockport program gives out vouchers to provide holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas. "We were a little strapped for cash then," Lehman said, "but we’re doing all right again now." The Brockport and Hamlin groups are part of Food Link, a food bank that serves a 10-county area in western New York. Food Link has over 250 member agencies and over 550 member programs. It provides food to non-emergency and emergency food programs serving over 4.2 million meals last year. In a study on hunger conducted by Food Link last year, single women, usually with children, formed the largest group seeking help from food banks. Nearly half of those surveyed had to choose between buying food or paying for heat; a third had to choose between paying for food or paying for housing; another quarter had to choose between paying for food or paying for medical care. In 25 percent of Food Link client homes, there is an adult who sometimes does not eat for a full day because there is not enough money for food. Eight percent of Food Link clients have children that skip meals due to lack of food. "Donations from our residents are crucial," said Robinson. "We always appreciate the generosity of our community." All the local programs accept both monetary contributions and food items. "Right now we can’t seem to get cereal," O’Brien said. "For anyone out there preparing to make a donation, we could really use cereal, laundry detergent and cleaning items." Contacts:
|
