Supporting Local Charities During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus has proven to not only be a global health crisis, but also an economic crisis, workforce crisis, and food crisis. From the millions of Americans depending on their paychecks to purchase food, to those who have been laid off, to the children who no longer are provided a daily meal because of school closure, the issue of feeding Americans has come to the forefront in the traumatic time in which we live. Many organizations like Feeding America and No Kid Hungry, are working around the world and around the clock to do their part in aiding suffering Americans who don’t have the resources to obtain sufficient groceries and meals. Given the order to social distance, the individuals working for these organizations are putting their lives at risk to help others. 

During the summer of 2016, I volunteered at my local food bank in Sag Harbor, New York. The food bank is open every week and is in charge of giving groceries to many local people in need. Typically, there are more than 10 people in the kitchen at a time, and the room is packed with around 50 people total waiting for food. I recently corresponded with Evie Ramunno, who is in charge of running the food bank, to reach out with my support during this stressful time. Evie responded saying, “this is a very scary time and we are all trying to do our best for people in need. I estimate that we will have 100 [people] show up Tuesday.” Now, looking back during this crisis on my time volunteering, it is clear that this local food bank is even more important for the people that depend on it. Evie estimates twice as many people will be lining up for food. Importantly, while I was a volunteer, I was the only person working under the age of 70. The elderly are among the most vulnerable to this virus, therefore the population volunteering at the food bank are risking their lives to help people obtain food. Fortunately, the Sag Harbor Food Bank as well as all other food banks around the country are taking precautions to protect the safety of everyone involved. Specifically by carrying out groceries to people waiting outside, in a line where everyone is separated by 6 feet, as well extending their hours to make it so fewer people are forced to arrive at once. When I asked Evie what I could do to help, she asked for donations of any and all non-perishables as well as cash donations. I encourage everyone, who has the means to help, to donate to their local food bank or New York City organization like Citymeals, in order to help supply the growing need for food during the coronavirus pandemic.