Published: November 19, 2009 12:42 am      

CHARITY: Local food banks seeing increase in need

Bad economic times mean more people are in need and fewer are able to give, a dangerous combination for those trying to lend a helping hand.

Mike Billoni of the Food Pantry of Western New York said regional need is up approximately 11 percent over last year. Joanne Guercio, who has directed the food pantry at the Salvation Army in the City of Tonawanda for 24 years, puts the increase locally at more than 20 percent.

“There’s a lot more unemployment, a lot more people who have reached the limit and are waiting to see if they’re going to be given an extension,” Guercio said.

Not just a lack of jobs but a lack of quality jobs is also an issue. Guercio said she sees people who work two jobs and are still unable to make ends meet because they’re paid so poorly. The ranks of the needy continue to grow, seemingly with no end in sight.

Mark Caputi, president of St. Amelia chapter of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, said he’s seen the same type of increase. At Saturday’s distribution for Thanksgiving, he expects to see more than 100 families.

Bonnie Giammusso, executive director of the North Tonawanda Food Pantry, said her group now serves 200 families per month, which is the most it has ever seen.

“I can’t give you an exact percentage, but it’s up,” she said.

The group is right in the middle of its Thanksgiving distribution as well, so in addition to their typical allotment clients will receive a box for Thanksgiving dinner. But Giammusso has seen a corresponding upturn in the amount of donations coming in, which she attributes to the generosity of local people, organizations and businesses.

“This is the time of year when everybody in the community is very giving,” Giammusso said.

When there’s a lack at St. Amelia, Caputi said his group has the benefit of being able to put the information in the church bulletin. Up until this point, the parish has held up against the added need.

“Our donations are on the uptick as well,” Caputi said. “We’re meeting demand.”

Billoni said the entire region has seen a similar cushion develop during the approach to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but is concerned that the increase won’t be sustained through the new year even though the same amount of people — or more — will be in need.

“Donations go well generally around the holidays, but we try to remind people that this is a 365-day operation and there is need through the whole year,” Billoni said.

The Salvation Army will benefit from a Boy Scout food drive scheduled for Saturday, when City of Tonawanda residents can put a bag of non-perishables on their porch for collection. Even then there’s competition, since a Girl Scout food drive benefiting the veterans organization across the street is taking donations the same way, but Guercio said it’s not as important where people donate as long as they’re donating since organizations often cooperate to meet local needs.

Knowing what to donate is something of a challenge as well. Billoni said diapers and baby formula are items that are rarely donated but always in demand. Personal care products like soap, toothpaste and deodorant are also needed by those struggling just to put food on the table. Guercio agreed, but said there are few things people don’t need at this point.

“We used to say no more green beans please, but now even those are in short supply,” Guercio said.

Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.