NEW BERLIN – According to a study published by the United States Department of Agriculture, food insecurity in the United States has reached epidemic levels. In 2012 14.5 percent of Americans – roughly 46 million people – were at some point considered food insecure, meaning they lived in hunger or in fear of starvation.
Within Chenango County, the number of families and individuals needing assistance for nutrition from local food banks and charities is moderately increased to a figure of 16 percent, due to the economical landscape.
In recent years, the increased demand, and resulting increased responsibility of aiding those in need has fallen onto the shoulders of many area churches to bear.
“Hunger in Chenango county is not an issue that is exclusive only to people who are struggling with poverty or homelessness,” explains Reverend Charles G. Taylor (otherwise know as Father Chuck Taylor). “There are many people who are part of the “working poor” class, often working 40 or more hours per week holding multiple jobs and still not having enough cash reserved for purchasing food after all other necessary costs of life are paid,” he said.
The Unadilla Valley Food Pantry (UVFP) first opened its doors in the mid 1980's and has provided emergency nutrition to hundreds of families since it's inception. The UVFP typically supplies subject families with three days worth of groceries for those who are without food. According to Taylor, the winter months – when heating bills and other seasonal costs are on the rise – are the busiest for the Food Pantry as it serves on average between five and ten consumers per week. In the warmer summer months, the number is typically reduced to approximately two-to-three consumers weekly.
Four area churches share administrative duties the UVFP. St Andrew's Episcopal and St.Theresa's Roman Catholic churches of New Berlin, The first United Methodist Church Of Norwich and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church of South New Berlin have worked in concert to organize the Pantry for the community.
“I want to get the word out that were here – especially now that the temperatures are dipping below freezing – to help those facing the devastating effects of food insecurity. We may not be able to feed all of the projected two million rural home effected by hunger in America this year, but that will not discourage us from doing our part,” said Taylor.
The UVFP operates solely on an as-needed basis and those needing assistance should call 847-6361 to make an appointment for pick at it's 40 South Main Street location in the Village of New Berlin. Said Taylor, “We're all very grateful for what all the involved communities do to assist us in assisting others in need.”
The Unadilla Valley Food Pantry has served families and individuals of both Chenango and Otsego counties that have experienced a food insecurity emergency. Community members needing emergency food assistance or who would like to donate to the UVFP should call 847-6361.