Food Bank of the Southern Tier is an international organization dedicated to strengthen and improve the lives of families in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Established in 1981, the Food Bank has branches in both New York City and New Jersey. It serves children, adults and seniors by providing a variety of emergency food services and social services that are funded primarily by a gift from The Goodwill Industries, a charitable organization that specializes in the production and distribution of products for social service.
Through the food bank: families in need can get help for their families. Programs include food storage and distribution, child care, health care, shelter, education, financial assistance and family programs for those in crisis. Funds are available to help people survive and continue to live healthy lives free from hunger. Those in the southern tier communities especially need the services of this food bank as families in some areas have lost access to adequate food sources.
Food Bank of the Southern Tier provides many services and solutions for its members: It partners with hospitals and community development groups to offer support groups such as food storage and delivery. Through its food pantry, families in the tri-state area receive assistance in preparing nutritious and delicious meals. These programs can help families save money on grocery bills and help them to stretch those dollars even further. Families in the southern tier areas should consider applying for a free or low cost monthly plan at the food bank. This monthly plan option helps families meet their basic needs without going hungry.
With a free or low cost plan: families are encouraged to store healthy produce and buy only what they need for cooking. With the cost of living increasing, there is no room to go without food for survival. The food banks also provide assistance for families that are facing food shortages during a time of emergency. Many times, families are forced to choose between food and medicine and in cases where disease has spread through the community, the only option is to eat.
Through its initiatives: food banks in the Tri-county area are making it possible for families to feed themselves and their families. Some communities are approaching this necessity as a problem of poverty and others as a way to improve life in the community. Tri-county organizations are working to eliminate hunger in the county and provide an effective solution by providing jobs, tutoring, transportation and education opportunities to families that qualify. Families in jeopardy of losing their homes should apply for assistance. In certain cases, the community may need to assist in order for a family to remain in their home. Contact the food bank of the Southern Tableland Area immediately to see if there is help available.
The Tri-county area is experiencing rapid growth due to the natural growth of cities: With this growth comes the need for more education opportunities for residents and a need for jobs that can sustain a family’s needs. Tri-county area food banks are working hard to meet these needs. They will work with all eligible families to provide food assistance based on their income.
Families in the Tri-county area that are interested in applying can call or visit a food bank to learn more about how tri-county area food banks can provide help to their area.