CARMEL – Despite Putnam’s reputation as one of New York State’s wealthiest counties, many residents still face hunger due to food insecurity.
Putnam lawmakers realize this fact and at a meeting of the legislature’s Health Committee, Chairwoman Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown, announced the formation of a new countywide group called the Putnam County Hunger & Food Access Coalition, which would serve to coordinate government and volunteer resources to address food insecurity throughout the county’s six towns and three villages.
Montgomery invited county officials and food bank representatives to discuss the issue.
Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health Sarah Servadio told the committee that increases in food prices have worsened the situation.
She said the county’s growing senior population has been hit hardest, as many residents over 65 and people with disabilities are denied SNAP benefits because their income exceeds eligibility limits.
Martha Elder, who coordinates Second Chance Foods in Brewster, said Putnam’s inflated cost of living has resulted in a large gap between people’s resources and eligibility criteria for government assistance.
Melissa O’Leary, director of the Putnam Community Action Partnership, said her organization serves 450 families monthly at the CAP food pantry.
The non-for-profit also runs a soup kitchen at the First Baptist Church in Brewster serving 70 meals four days each week.
Kiko Lattu, coordinator of the Philipstown Food Pantry, advised committee members that western Putnam is home to several mobile home parks, which are occupied by seniors on limited incomes. “Many pantry guests visit us regularly indicating ongoing food insecurity,” she said.
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