Year Of Coronavirus: Feeding Westchester Looks Back, Forward

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — It's been a year this March since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Westchester County — And it's been quite a year for Feeding Westchester, the county’s largest nonprofit hunger-relief organization.

With record need in the community, the organization served more than twice as many residents in 2020 as in prior years, a trend that shows no signs of abating.

SEE: Coronavirus: One Year Later In Westchester County

Food insecurity in Westchester County rose by more than 50 percent during the pandemic, according to a study by Feeding America.

From April through December 2020, Feeding Westchester’s network of nearly 300 community partners and programs throughout the county served an average of 275,000 to 300,000 hungry residents each month, compared to the usual 125,000 to 150,000 people monthly before the outbreak hit.

Throughout 2020, the nonprofit distributed 22 million pounds of food, or 18.4 million meals.

"Every day, individuals and families are making tough choices – often having to choose between paying for rent, medication, or food," said Karen C. Erren, President & CEO of Feeding Westchester. "The level of hunger in our own backyard remains at a record high and our neighbors in need rely on us to continue to provide food."

In New York State, roughly one in six residents struggles with hunger. This includes more than 200,000 people who are either food insecure or at risk and in need of assistance. Sadly, many of them do not fall below the threshold to qualify for SNAP benefits and other nutrition programs, said Dan Egan, the executive director of Feeding New York State. The state saw a 46 percent increase in need in 2020.

Erren said Feeding Westchester was fortunate to have county officials who understand. She thanked County Executive George Latimer for earmarking $2 million to address hunger in Westchester in his 2021 Operating Budget.

"What our County has gone through - and the efforts undertaken by Feeding Westchester and organizations like it - this past year are nothing short of extraordinary," Latimer said in a joint statement with the nonprofit. "The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of our lives, and issues with food insecurity have taken center focus. I am proud to have included $2 million toward this crisis in the 2021 County Budget and look forward to working with Feeding Westchester to find solutions to this long-term challenge.”

So far in 2021, demand remains high. In January, Feeding Westchester provided 1.5 million pounds of food, or 1.25 million meals, to nearly 215,000 individuals throughout the county.

Looking ahead, officials at the nonprofit warn that hunger will remain a significant challenge faced by thousands locally long beyond an improved health landscape brought about by coronavirus vaccinations.

"The economic impact of COVID-19 will last well past the time when we reach herd immunity and we, as a community, need to be prepared to meet that ongoing need," Erren said. "While we are hopeful that we will see a decrease in demand, we distributed 8.5 million meals in 2019 – long before COVID hit Westchester. There has long been – and will continue to be – a need to serve Westchester residents struggling with food insecurity. We must continue to step up to ensure nobody in Westchester goes hungry.”"

Every $1 donated to Feeding Westchester provides up to three meals for local children, seniors, and families struggling with hunger. To find help, or to help, visit feedingwestchester.org or call (914) 923-1100. For the latest news and updates, follow @FeedingWestchester on Facebook and Instagram and @FeedWestchester on Twitter.

SEE ALSO: Millions Made Hungry By Pandemic Could Include Your Neighbor

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.