CNY Food Pantries seeing increase as unemployment on the rise

Tools

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:00 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 6:33 PM EST

HOLLAND PATENT, N.Y. (WKTV) - There seems to be no end to the rollercoaster ride on Wall Street. Every week, the number of unemployed Americans is growing. Families here in Central New York are also feeling the pinch.

Local food pantries are seeing huge increases in families who need help putting food on the table. The Oneida County Social Services Commissioner says the first sign that a sagging national economy is hitting home, is food stamp usage.

"I think where you see it more is food stamp cases; we've seen an increase of at least 600 cases since our totals from last year and I think when people are faced with cutbacks in their employment, a decrease in hours, that's the first area that starts to be impacted," says Commissioner Lucille Soldato.

The Foothills Rural Community Ministry has seen the number of people using their food pantry in Holland Patent more than double over last year. The good news is, donations are up as well.

Utica Weather

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
Overcast
More Weather

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On