Hunger exists close to home. Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive was a success

— Photo from Judy Seery

Altamont Community Food Pantry volunteers unpack and sort donations received from the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

To the Editor:

The annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive was a success once again. The drive was held on Saturday, which turned out to be a beautiful spring day.

On Monday, volunteers transported the donations from the Altamont Post Office to the St. Lucy / St. Bernadette’s Parish Center where they unpacked and sorted all of the items. The shelves at the Altamont Community Food Pantry are now stocked with a wonderful variety of food. In addition, many boxes were packed and stored, which will help meet the need over the coming months.

Thank you to the hardworking letter carriers for taking the extra time and effort needed to make this happen. Many thanks to the residents as well, for understanding that there is a need all around us and generously donating food items.

Lastly, thank you to the volunteers who can always be counted on. They gave up their time on Monday to assure that many hands made light work.

Often people do not realize that hunger exists close to home, or may have the misconception that this is only experienced by those who are homeless. Unfortunately, food insecurity exists right here in our community.

The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a state in which “consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.” Someone who is food insecure may be “struggling to avoid hunger,” “at risk of hunger,”  “faced by the threat of hunger” as well as hungry.

They may be elderly, living on a fixed income; someone who is disabled or unemployed; a veteran; or someone who is working but just not making enough to meet their needs. The Altamont Community Food Pantry is here to help those faced with food insecurity and could not do this without such wonderful support from our community.

The Altamont Community Food Pantry is a volunteer community-service organization providing supplemental food assistance to families who are unable to financially meet their daily nutritional requirements. The pantry serves people residing in the village of Altamont, in Guilderland Center, and in surrounding areas and is funded solely on donations and grants.

If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, please come by during these hours: From 4 to 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, at the St. Lucy / St. Bernadette Parish Center at 122 Grand St. in Altamont. Call 518-861-8770 (the St. Lucy / St. Bernadette church office) for more information.

Judy Seery

Director

Altamont Community

Food Pantry

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