As the holiday season and the winter months approach, more of our neighbors are facing new and increasing challenges just to put food on the table.

​

We just wrapped up our Thanksgiving distribution, and the numbers confirm exactly what we have feared—and prepared for—over the past few months. This was the largest pantry in our history. The surge in demand was both significant and sobering:

​

• We saw a 51% increase in total households served.

• Most alarmingly, we saw a 355% increase in new households walking through our doors for the first time.

​​

We believe the record-breaking demand we saw at Thanksgiving is not a one-time spike; it is more likely our new baseline for the winter. As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, we expect even more families to turn to us for help.

​

The Reality Facing Our Neighbors This Winter

​

Our community is currently weathering a "Triple Threat" of policy changes and economic pressures that are pushing working families to the breaking point:

​

• New SNAP Restrictions & Benefit Cuts: New federal rules have both restricted access and reduced monthly benefit amounts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With 10% of our households relying on SNAP to bridge the gap, these permanent cuts have pulled the safety net out from under our most vulnerable neighbors—including households with children and the elderly.

• Reductions in Heating Assistance (HEAP): Winter has arrived, but the safety net has not. New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) was scheduled to open in November, but due to federal funding delays, it has been postponed indefinitely. This delay hits at the worst possible moment: heating bills are projected to rise significantly this winter (up to 16% for some households). Without this critical aid, families are forced to pay out-of-pocket right now or risk empty tanks and shut-offs, pushing our neighbors into the impossible "Heat or Eat" dilemma—choosing between paying a utility bill or buying groceries.

• Rising Grocery Prices: The cost of putting food on the table continues to climb. Prices for essential items like meat, dairy, and produce remain at record highs and are continuing to rise. This sustained pressure means that a family's weekly budget simply buys far less food than it used to.

​

When the safety net weakens, people turn to local pantries like ours. We are the last line of defense, but as the need continues to grow, we cannot hold the line alone.

​

Your Financial Support Makes an Immediate Difference

​

We cannot meet this escalating challenge without your help. Your support makes an immediate and critical difference.

​

Financial contributions are the fastest, most efficient way to help us meet this new level of demand. Your donation allows us to purchase essential groceries at a substantial discount through regional food banks and our local partners. This gives us the agility to stock our shelves as quickly as possible and helps every family enjoy a warm, worry-free holiday season.

​

If you’re able, please consider making a donation right now.

100% of your donation goes directly to the Trumansburg Food Pantry to support our most vulnerable neighbors.

 

Donate Online: Click the secure Donate link below

Mail a Check: Make it payable to Trumansburg Food Pantry and send it to P.O. Box 162, Trumansburg, NY 14886

 

Thank you for caring about our community and for helping us ensure that no neighbor goes hungry this Holiday Season or in the challenging months ahead.