ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The holidays are meant to be a time for celebration, but for some in the Capital Region, the struggle to put food on the table has gotten in the way. The Food Pantries , an organization in Albany is working to feed the hungry this holiday season, for the second year in a row.
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According to Feeding America, over 89,000 people are food insecure in Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties — including 27,000 babies and children. Workers with the Food Pantries said the percentages have risen since last year.
“Right now our numbers are up about 29% from where they were last year,” said Angie Weber, development and communications manager for The Food Pantries of the Capital District.
“We’re seeing inflation go up, service levels at the pantry go up, people just, their needs have increased so much,” said Angie Pender-Fox, associate executive director for The Food Pantries of the Capital District.