Brooklyn food pantries struggle as demand surges, resources shrink
At Reaching Out Community Services in Bensonhurst, the need has never been greater.
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Food pantries across New York City are seeing an overwhelming surge in demand, but many are struggling to keep up as funding and resources dwindle.
At Reaching Out Community Services in Bensonhurst, the need has never been greater.
“More people than you think need help,” said Michelle Bencivenga, a local resident who relies on the pantry.
Pantry director Tom Neve said the organization has been forced to turn people away.
City Harvest, which supplies food to pantries citywide, reports an 81% increase in pantry visits compared to pre-pandemic levels. Rising grocery costs have worsened the crisis, and potential tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico could push prices even higher.
"Anything that changes the price of daily staples—either directly or indirectly—will have an immediate impact on so many families," said Carlos Rodriguez, City Harvest's chief policy and operations officer.
Pantry operators say they are doing everything they can, but without more funding, they'll be forced to make even tougher choices.
"When more people than ever need help, what do you do? Who do you turn away?" said Neve.
