2 weeks Ago By Letter to the editor
To the editor: Spring is here, and with it comes a variety of reasons to celebrate. Passover and Easter are both holidays that feature feasts, and most of us can indulge ourselves and our loved ones with bountiful meals. Most, but not all.
In Berkshire County, more than 11 percent of people now experience serious food insecurity, and the numbers are even worse (16 percent) for children. The reasons are many: the high cost of living locally, unemployment, illness, and more. To make matters worse for those already suffering, there is more fear of difficult times to come.
Here at The People’s Pantry, and all other food pantries in the area, we are facing our own worries. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which provides us with many of the basics we offer, received notice of its first federal cutback: about $440,000 worth of food through August. Federal programs that enabled school districts to purchase food from local farms are being halted.
SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefit cuts are expected soon. Pantries are scrambling to make up these losses, but it is an uphill fight. As food supplies to schools, food banks, meal sites, and pantries are cut, the number of people in need increases.
With children not getting as much food in school or food to take home from school, and SNAP being cut, more people than ever depend on us. The People’s Pantry has seen a 30 percent increase in the number of people asking for our help in the last year, and we anticipate future growth. And we, in turn, must depend on you.
The People’s Pantry has never received federal funds, as we choose not to collect the necessary data in order to better respect our community’s privacy. We have always relied on our local community for support, and we are grateful that the community recognizes the value of what we do. Please, as you celebrate the season, or as you shop, think of those who are suffering and support the efforts of The People’s Pantry or other agencies close to home.
Visit The People’s Pantry’s website to see how you can organize a food drive, volunteer your time, or donate food or money. Anything helps, and you will feel good about helping our neighbors feel more secure in their kitchens. Laura Gratz People’s Pantry Board President Great Barrington Click here to read The Berkshire Edge’s policy for submitting Letters to the Editor.
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