Natasha Pernicka's letter ("Food pantries fill a gap in assistance," June 14) highlights the critical need that the Food Pantries for the Capital District fills, providing more than 2.5 million meals for area residents in 2012 alone.
Sadly, the number of people who turn to emergency food programs is growing at a rapid pace.
At the Sister Maureen Joyce Center Soup Kitchen on Livingston Avenue, Catholic Charities served more than 1,000 people in May, a record number. Additionally, our food pantry programs have also seen a surge in demand. The summer months provide even more challenges, as children who receive free or reduced lunches no longer have that stable source of food. Soup kitchens and food pantries struggle to keep up with requests this time of year — precisely when food donations can be at their lowest.
I applaud Ms. Pernicka's efforts to raise awareness of the issue, to advocate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that have become critical to so many children and families, and to encourage community involvement to ensure that no one goes hungry. It takes all of us working together to make it happen.
To support us in our efforts to serve the economically poor and vulnerable, please call 453-6650 or visit our website at http://www.ccrcda.org for more information.
Vincent W. Colonno
CEO, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
