NORWICH – The Greater Norwich Foundation will once again provide for those in need throughout Chenango County, donating $5,000 to the Food Bank of Central New York. The foundation – established in 1965 – has allocated approximately $50,000 to the non-profit organization over the past 12 years.

“We’re very grateful for this partnership and thank the Greater Norwich Foundation for their continuous support of our work,” said Food Bank of CNY Executive Director Tom Slater. “Every donation helps us to provide food to people in need.”

With hunger on the rise across the nation – the USDA estimates that one in six Americans are facing food insecurity – the Food Bank of CNY continues to work toward its goal, providing access to nutritious food for those experiencing economic hardship. The demand for emergency food assistance also remains high, and the organization has partnered with local food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other emergency food programs to provide supplies.

“What’s happening is that, this year, the demand is far greater and the funding is lower, so we’re struggling with that,” said Melinda Mandeville, director at Roots and Wings, which receives much of its foodstuffs through the Food Bank of CNY. “Because of that, donations like this will go a long way in helping us to stretch our food dollars.”