Schenectady Leaders Push for Increased State Funding for Food Support Programs!
As the next legislative session approaches, officials in the Capital Region are pushing for more state funding to address food insecurity. Speaking at St. Luke’s Daily Bread Food Pantry in Schenectady, State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara emphasized the need for Governor Kathy Hochul to increase the minimum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit to $100 per month.
Santabarbara, a Democrat from the 111th District, pointed out that Schenectady County has seen a 70 percent increase in demand for food pantry services in the last five years.
He explained that many people, despite being employed, struggle to afford food after paying for basic expenses like rent, gas, and bills. “There’s something we can do about that,” Santabarbara said. “What we can do is fund these programs.”
He also called for the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and the Nourish New York program to receive $75 million each in the next state budget. Santabarbara expressed frustration that these programs have not been fully funded in recent budgets, adding that the lack of funding has been devastating to local communities.
“When we saw the numbers come out, and we didn’t get it, it was heartbreaking,” he said. “We know what happens when there’s no more bread to give out. People go without, and that is unacceptable.”
County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich, who chairs the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee, also voiced her support for raising the SNAP benefits. She said that 12,000 households in Schenectady County currently receive SNAP benefits, affecting around 22,000 individuals. Raising the SNAP benefit would have a significant impact, potentially helping one in six households in the county.
Linda Knipper, a member of the Schenectady County Food Council and a volunteer with Street Soldiers Schenectady, said the need for food assistance has grown considerably. “The need has greatly increased since I’ve been doing Street Soldiers,” she explained.
“I believe the volume has tripled. 100 used to be a busy week, but now it’s 250 or 300.” Knipper also pointed out that vulnerable groups, such as seniors and young children, are increasingly relying on food assistance.
She was also surprised to learn that SNAP benefits do not cover basic hygiene products like toilet paper, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. “These are essential for people to live with dignity,” Knipper said.
Reverend Dustin Longmire, Executive Director of the Rotterdam Community Center, noted that the situation is similar to the conditions seen during the Great Depression. “We’re hitting a wall where we’re pretty much back in the 1930s,” Longmire said.
“Every Sunday at Street Soldiers and every Friday at the Rotterdam Community Center, we see long food lines.” Since the Rotterdam Community Center opened its doors in June 2022, the demand for food assistance has grown dramatically. What began as 35 people attending their free produce pantry has now increased to an average of 130 people in recent weeks.
Darlene Geloso, a Rotterdam resident, shared her personal experience of struggling with food insecurity. Geloso, who is 66 years old and cares for her autistic son, found herself in a difficult situation when she had her benefits reduced after a work injury in 2020. “I was getting about $200 a week, way less than normal,” Geloso explained.
“I started to seek out help and went to Schenectady Street Soldiers.” She added that the rising costs of living are outpacing any increase in her benefits. “Social Security is only going up by $33 a month next year,” Geloso said, expressing frustration with the current guidelines. “You can make just a little bit more and get kicked off, so it’s two steps forward, three steps back. These are working, struggling families, and it shouldn’t be like this.”
In response to a request for comment, the state Department of Health highlighted Governor Hochul’s recent announcement of $27.5 million in state funding to support nutrition programs. While this funding is a step in the right direction, local leaders continue to call for additional support to help those struggling with food insecurity.
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