CAP Cayuga/Seneca: How to help fight food insecurity in Cayuga County

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. For Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca, it is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the enormity of need in our neighborhoods and mobilize efforts that make a meaningful difference in our community. We believe that food shouldn't be an impossible choice, but it is the reality for 19.6% of adults and 17.4% of children in Cayuga County. According to Feeding America, the food insecurity rates for adults are 4.6% higher and for children 19.2% higher than the national average.

Food insecurity as a lack of access to enough nutritionally adequate food for an active, healthy lifestyle for all household members. It's a complex problem that does not exist in isolation and though closely related to poverty, not all people living below the poverty line experience food insecurity and people living above the poverty line are often affected. A U.S. Department of Agriculture report this month revealed "hunger in America is getting worse, not better." The report also revealed that children experiencing food insecurity is up from 2021. In the first seven months of this year, CAP's food pantry served 4,738 individuals; 1,714 were children. On average, each month, we see 94 new individuals in need of assistance, an alarming growth in the number of our neighbors struggling to put food on the table at a time when food donations have actually fallen.

CAP's portfolio of programs aimed at alleviating hunger and improving overall well-being are innovative approaches that are making a difference. The Food Recovery Program provides emergency food and nutrition services to people in need of food utilizing a variety of strategies to increase services, including a holistic plan to address the social determinants that create a lack of consistent access to nutritious food in both Cayuga and Seneca counties. The program is designed to catalyze the impact for families who are employed but cannot make ends meet, the seniors who are skipping meals to afford their medications, the children who go to bed hungry and those living in poverty. It has strengthened our community response with a robust network of emergency food providers and collaborative approaches to tackling food insecurity from all angles. Since the start of the year, the program has recovered and redistributed 107,555 pounds of food. The mobile food pantry is a lifeline to homebound households, seniors and disabled individuals who otherwise would not have access to healthy, nutritious food. The program averages 39 deliveries per month. The Nourish New York Initiative has been a gamechanger in providing individuals and families in need with more fresh, healthy produce and locally grown products. CAP's food pantry is not defined by boundaries, and no one is ever turned away. However, despite our efforts, funding for these programs has remained stagnant even as demand increases.

In honor of Hunger Action Month, CAP is asking for our community to join us in our fight against hunger. There are several ways you can make a meaningful difference:

Donate: Monetary contributions help keep our shelves stocked and ensure we are able to meet the growing demand. Even a small donation can have a big impact for a family in need.

Volunteer: CAP relies on volunteers to help distribute food, stock shelves and sort donations. Giving up your time is one of the most direct ways to support hunger relief efforts.

Advocate: Raising awareness about food insecurity is so important. It encourages others to get involved and lets those in need know where to turn for help.

Host a food drive: Organize a food drive at your workplace, school or in your neighborhood is a simple and effective way to collect nonperishable food items.

We have a wonderful opportunity to approach the evolving challenges associated with hunger and create systemic change that can empower people to live happier, healthier lives and strengthen our network to create lasting change. To learn more about our efforts and how you can get involved, call (315) 255-1703 ext. 155 or email .

CAP is proud to welcome Upstate University Hospital's mobile mammography van to our Auburn office on Thursday, Oct. 8. The mammography van is equipped with a state-of-the art 3D digital mammogram system, private exam room, dressing room and waiting room. To be eligible for a mammogram on the van, women should be 40 years and older, have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months and not be experiencing breast problems. To schedule an appointment for a mammogram, call (315) 464-2588 or visit upstate.edu/noexcuses . We encourage you to share with your friends, family and coworkers who are eligible and help them get screened. The mobile mammography van welcomes insured and uninsured women.

Jennifer Rossi is the marketing and development director at Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca and can be reached at (315) 255-1703 ext. 155 or .

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