Urgent: Food Pantry Sees 118% Surge in Demand Ahead of Thanksgiving

UPDATE: Food pantries are facing an overwhelming surge in demand as Thanksgiving approaches, with reports indicating a staggering 118% increase in registrations in the first week of November. The NY Common Pantry in East Harlem is at the forefront of this urgent crisis, as families struggle to afford basic necessities amid skyrocketing food prices.

Residents like Elisabeth Negron rely heavily on the pantry, stating, “We got no food stamps, so have to go everywhere to get a little food.” As prices soar—turkeys costing between $20 to $30, milk at $4, and eggs reaching $10 to $12—the pantry has become a lifeline for many. Negron, who supports not only herself but also her two adult children and their four kids, feels a deep sense of gratitude for the resources provided.

Executive Director Stephen Grimaldi confirms the pantry’s critical role, attributing the increase in demand to factors like the recent government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits. “Food is so expensive. It’s an affordability crisis that people are experiencing now,” Grimaldi explains, emphasizing that grocery prices have surged by 33% over the past decade while wages have stagnated.

Another East Harlem resident, Sonia Gibson, known in her community as Miss Peaches, shares her distress: “The last six months, I can’t afford it. Everything was higher.” For Gibson, a single grandmother, the pantry is not just a resource; it’s a necessity. “Life savers. Life saver for us, especially in this community,” she remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of her situation.

At Negron’s apartment, just ten blocks away, she unloaded her pantry haul with a neighbor’s help. Basic staples like rice, beans, and oatmeal will help her prepare a Thanksgiving meal, but the struggle to keep her fridge stocked remains a daily challenge. “I feel great. I got food,” she expressed, but the burden of affordability looms large.

The surge in demand at food pantries signals a larger issue affecting countless families across the nation. As grocery prices continue to rise, it’s essential for communities to support these vital resources. The NY Common Pantry stands ready to assist, but the need for support, donations, and volunteers is more pressing than ever.

As Thanksgiving approaches, individuals and families are encouraged to reach out to local food banks and pantries. The impact of rising costs is felt deeply in communities, making awareness and action critical in these challenging times.

For more information on food prices and resources, visit abc7ny.com/savemoney or utilize the ABC Price Tracker at abc7ny.com/pricetracker. Share your money-saving tips or stories with Eyewitness News to help others in need.