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Dear Editor,
As New Yorkers face higher prices for groceries and essential goods, many are experiencing a profound hunger crisis. Recent data from the USDA Office highlights increasing food insecurity in New York, with more than 12% of households struggling to provide enough food for their families — increasing a full percentage point from last year. In Niagara County, 66% of residents are either at or below poverty level. The reality of this statistic can be seen in our own community, where some face impossible choices between paying rent, purchasing medicine, and putting food on the table.
For many of these households, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can be the difference between having food and going hungry. SNAP helps low-income families, seniors, students, veterans and people with disabilities stretch their grocery budgets to help buy food they need. It provides monthly benefits on a debit card to spend on food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and approved online retailers. If you or someone you know is struggling to make ends meet, SNAP may be able to assist with food insecurity within the household.
The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) can go over eligibility for SNAP and may assist in the application process. These services are free and confidential. To learn more, contact Kristina Markey, FeedMore WNY NOEP Coordinator, at (716) 430-7300 or at kmarkey@feedmorewny.org.
To learn about FeedMore WNY’s additional programs that alleviate food insecurity, call (716) 822-2002 or visit www.feedmorewny.org.
Sincerely,
Kristina Markey
NOEP Coordinator
Niagara County
FeedMore WNY
20 Lock St, Lockport, NY
