Food Pantry Demand Surges 118% in East Harlem Ahead of Thanksgiving

URGENT UPDATE: Demand for food assistance has surged by 118% in East Harlem as families scramble for Thanksgiving meals amid rising grocery prices. The NY Common Pantry has become a lifeline for many, including Elisabeth Negron, who relies on the pantry due to a lack of food stamps.

Lines are forming not just for weekly distributions but also for the special Thanksgiving meal event. Negron, facing soaring food costs, expressed her frustration: “Do you know how much the turkey costs? Twenty dollars, maybe thirty dollars.” With essentials like milk priced at approximately $4 and eggs reaching up to $12, many East Harlem residents are feeling the pinch.

According to Stephen Grimaldi, executive director of the pantry, the increase in demand is largely due to a recent government shutdown that delayed SNAP benefits. “Food is so expensive. It’s an affordability crisis,” he stated, noting that grocery prices have climbed by 33% over the past decade while wages have stagnated.

Residents like Sonia Gibson, a 66-year-old grandmother, share similar concerns. “Everything is higher. A pack of wings is $19. I can’t afford that,” she remarked. Gibson, known as Miss Peaches in her community, visits the pantry weekly, relying on its support to feed her family.

Back at Negron’s home, she unloaded her pantry haul filled with staples like rice, beans, and oatmeal, preparing for a Thanksgiving that feels more challenging than ever. “I feel great. I got food,” she said, expressing gratitude for the pantry’s support.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the NY Common Pantry continues to address the urgent needs of the community. With many working families now depending on food assistance, the situation underscores a growing crisis affecting countless households.

What’s Next: As the holiday nears, expect further increases in pantry use and continued efforts from local organizations to provide support. The community is urged to donate and volunteer to help sustain these essential services during this critical time.

For more information on food assistance and ongoing community support initiatives, visit abc7ny.com/savemoney and take advantage of the ABC Price Tracker at abc7ny.com/pricetracker to monitor local grocery prices.