In 2019, US government data showed poverty and hunger rates reached new lows, despite 34 million (10.5%) still living below the poverty line. Roughly 11.1% of households are food insecure, struggling to put food on the table. Glaringly, the data does not reflect the ongoing recession, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. With millions currently unable to work due to restrictions and recession, hardship has skyrocketed in 2020. More than 29 million adults now live with food insecurity. The rate is twice as high for many minority households.
"For millions of American families, the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped away the gains we have made. It has exposed how fragile the economy truly is, while the pandemic shows no signs of retreating," said Amelia Kegan, FCNL legislative director for domestic policy. "The data demonstrates the vital role federal anti-poverty programs play in ensuring low-income Americans can meet their basic needs."
Corporations themselves are experiencing hardship and making cuts and lay-offs, but still they are the most prepared segment of our society to offer aid and make a difference for families, adults, and children-in-need. With help from solutions like GyvLink, businesses can have a positive impact, and with GyvLink, that greater positive impact can come while using fewer resources to achieve it.
The Food Pantries for the Capital District (FPCD), a
coalition of more than 65 food pantries in Albany,
Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties of NY,
has partnered with GyvLink to fight hunger and poverty
in the Capital Region. As typical holiday food drives come to
a close, we are initiating a new winter campaign, "Harsher
After the Holidays" - a drive to support food pantries
served by FPCD and the unprecedented number of individuals
and families facing food insecurity and poverty conditions.
The drive will seek donations of food and other essential
items such as personal hygiene supplies, diapers, cleaning
supplies and other household items. This collaboration
hopes to save thousands from hunger and poverty and
provide essential items in the Capital Region during
the post-holiday period and beyond.
For more information about how to partner in your region,
or to follow along with GyvLink's efforts in the NY
Capital region in 2021,
sign up for updates