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Rochester Pantry Launches 6-Month Food Donation Drive
Concern increases for town’s needy:
Meals Provided: April ’08: 2,004
April ’07: 1,008
Accord, May 28 – Rochester Food Pantry (RFP) volunteers are launching a six-month food donation effort in the community to offset the hardships of spiraling food costs for some of its residents. “As the cost of feeding a family is radically increasing, the value of food stamps is dramatically decreasing,” said Wilma deJager, RFP Director. deJager explained that many food stamp recipients are now unable to purchase the food they need for themselves and/or their families with their monthly allotment of stamps, and the problem is becoming more widespread. “The food stamps can’t buy as much. Even for those who don’t receive food stamps, individuals on disability or fixed incomes, buying food is becoming a struggle. We only see the situation worsening for our neighbors in the months to come,” she
added.
Organizers of the two-tier food drive will be reaching out to local residents, business owners, and non-profit organizations throughout the summer and fall. Tier One is an effort to encourage residents to turn summer gatherings at their homes into Pantry Parties by asking guests to bring non-perishable food donations to get-togethers. In addition to providing an invitation template that participants can personalize and use to invite their guests, RFP will also arrange a pick-up service for donations after the party.
DeJager explained that another alternative for summer party planners is to use get-togethers as informal fundraisers for either cash or check donations. For those who choose this alternative, RFP will provide a donation collection display with information on the Pantry Parties town-wide effort; contributions are tax-deductible. To participate in the Rochester food drive and receive an invitation template or donation collection display, telephone Via Associates, 687-7998.
Tier Two of the program will be conducted among local business owners and the town’s non-profit organizations. A professional event planner will be available to help business owners and organizations design an event tailored to their customers and/or members. Donation pick-up service will also be available for these participants. Among the local businesses and non-profit organizations already committed to offsetting hunger in Rochester: Accord Wine Shop, Christian’s Greenhouse, Dr. Holly Elliott/Family Chiropractor, Friends of Historic Rochester, Kelder Farm, Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates, and Saunderskill Farms. To participate in Tier Two of the program, telephone 626-7834.
RFP serves residents with limited resources, including families, individuals, and retirees. In 2007, the organization assisted over one hundred people a month, providing food for over 15,000 meals during the course of the year. However, the issue of rising food costs in 2008 has become particularly alarming to RFP volunteers because the number of meals they provided in April 2008 has approximately doubled the number of meals provided in the same period last year. “If an item costs more money, it’s going to cost more food stamps,” deJager explained, “because food stamps are a cash equivalent.” Rising prices obviously have an impact on the amount of food individuals can buy – either because they have limited incomes or because food stamps simply don’t have the same purchasing value they had when prices
were lower, she added.
RFP is located on Main Street in Accord, at the rear of the Accord Fire House. Those wishing to avail themselves of the services provided need only call 626-7501 to make an appointment. Services are confidential and provided to all who request them.
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