GREECE, N.Y. — Community food cupboards are working hard to meet increasing needs over the summer months. It's been more of a challenge as the cost of even some of the most basic groceries is up.
St. Francis Food Cupboard at Mother of Sorrows Church in Greece helps hungry families in need three times a month. The church sees people of all ages hit hard especially people on fixed incomes.
"Now with the money shortages and inflation we are back up to about 75 families per time we are open, so it is climbing back up again," said Brian Ward, St. Francis Food Cupboard volunteer.
This outreach ministry is funded by parishioners and works with Foodlink. What they do not get from Foodlink they go out and buy. Money just doesn't go as far these days.
"The big things we give away are obviously all the food here,” said Ward. “We supply meats for the family and the big ticket item is diapers. We supply diapers.”
St. Francis Food Cupboard can use more donations. You can donate online at Mother of Sorrows.
"I was at the grocery store and could not believe how expensive things are,” said Fr. William Coffas. “If we experiencing that, who have jobs and who have the means, then imagine the people who do not have jobs or the financial means to pay for things. So these types of programs here at Mother of Sorrows and Holy Cross are vital to help make sure our neighbors get what they need.”
If you'd like to help the less fortunate in your community, consider donating to your church food pantry or community cupboard. The St. Francis Food Cupboard is available to residents in Greece and neighboring communities like Hilton and Charlotte. It's open the second and third Wednesday of the month and fourth Saturday.