UPDATE: Food pantries in East Harlem are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand as Thanksgiving approaches, with a staggering 118% increase in registrations reported for the first week of November. The NY Common Pantry is stepping up to assist families grappling with skyrocketing food prices, leaving many in urgent need of support.
Residents like Elisabeth Negron are relying heavily on food distributions. “We got no food stamps, so have to go everywhere to get a little food,” she stated. With turkey prices soaring to as much as $30, and everyday items like milk costing $4 per gallon, families are feeling the pinch more than ever.
Executive Director Stephen Grimaldi confirmed that the increase in demand is largely due to the recent government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits. “Food is so expensive. It’s an affordability crisis that people are experiencing now,” he emphasized. The price of groceries has surged by 33% over the past decade, while wages have stagnated, pushing working families into desperation.
Another East Harlem resident, Sonia Gibson, 66, echoed the crisis, saying, “The last six months, I can’t afford it. It’s too expensive.” Known affectionately as Miss Peaches, she visits the pantry weekly, stating, “Life savers. Life saver for us, especially in this community.”
As families prepare for Thanksgiving, the pantry is their lifeline. Negron, who lives in a NYCHA building, shared her relief after receiving food staples like rice, beans, and oatmeal. “I feel great. I got food,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support that helps her feed her family of six, including her two adult children and their four children.
The situation highlights a growing concern for many as they face a challenging holiday season with limited resources. The NY Common Pantry continues to provide essential support, but the demand is overwhelming. As Grimaldi noted, “We’re starting to see working people who are really struggling to make ends meet.”
With Thanksgiving just days away, the urgency for assistance is palpable in East Harlem. As food insecurity rises, pantries like the NY Common Pantry are crucial for families navigating this affordability crisis. Families are urged to register for assistance as soon as possible to ensure they can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
For more updates on food prices and savings, visit abc7ny.com/savemoney. If you have tips or questions about managing finances during this difficult time, Eyewitness News encourages you to reach out with your experiences.
The holiday season should be a time of joy, but for many, it brings additional stress. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation evolves.
