On Monday, Wegman's halted offering single-use plastic bags to customers. Managers of the grocery chain say they're trying to cut down on environment problems caused by the bags. 

They're also getting ahead of a state-wide ban, set for March 1. According to Mainstream Green President Dana Johnston, the ban is overdue. 

"We use 720,000 plastic bags every minute in America, every minute. Can you imagine that?" said Johnston.

But what does this mean for people already struggling to make ends meet? 

At Plymouth Congregational Church, they're dedicated to combating food insecurity and preserving the earth. They say while it is a positive environmental move, it has negative impacts for communities like those they serve at their pantry.

"It impacts people who are impoverished because there are people who may not be able to afford the bags," said Rev. Eric Jackson. 

The environmental advocacy group Mainstream Green says environmentalism is important, especially for impoverished people.

"Environmentalism is about environmental justice. Environmental justice means not just rich people get to have a healthy life," said Johnston. 

That's why they donated reusable bags to Central New York pantries, and pantries are encouraging others to do the same.

"If these supermarkets are saying it's strictly about environmentalism, they make millions upon millions of dollars. If they care about the poor, they should give them to them," said Rev. Jackson. 

Mainstream Green says while forgetting your bag at home and having to pay may be an inconvenience, we shouldn't be looking at the price tag.

"I think people need to look at it as an investment, not a cost. They're investing in a planet that their kids can live on, and their kids' kids," said Johnston.

They say if you can't afford reusable bags, you can also get creative and use old t-shirts or pillow cases as carriers.