Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

question everything

(47,460 posts)
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:17 PM May 2020

Coronavirus News: Line at Queens food pantry stretches for 8 blocks

CORONA, Queens (WABC) -- Nearly two months into the pandemic, the strain on some families is at an all-time high. With no jobs and no income, some have no way to pay rent and even putting food on the table is difficult.

Demand for food assistance is rising at an extraordinary rate, and at a food pantry in Queens on Wednesday, the line stretched for eight blocks.

At one of the hardest-hit communities in Corona, a food pantry at Elmcor, located on Northern Boulevard, opens at noon on Wednesdays and goes until 4 p.m., or until they run out of food. Last week, they served at least 540 families.

A 9-year-old boy named Andrew was one of those in line who did not get food because the pantry ran out. He said his family is running out of food at home and he is not alone.

A report from the Brookings Institute said that since the pandemic started, 22.7% of families in the United States don't have enough money for more food -- that's up from 11% in 2018.

And 17% of those asked said the children in their household are not eating enough because they couldn't afford enough food.

Many in line for food in Corona on Wednesday were undocumented immigrants so they are not getting stimulus checks from the government.

https://abc7ny.com/queens-line-for-food-pantry-coronavirus-nyc-update/6157311/

====

How can people in the richest country in the world, with, supposedly safety net, go hungry?

Where do I donate?

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Coronavirus News: Line at Queens food pantry stretches for 8 blocks (Original Post) question everything May 2020 OP
This is an emergency! kentuck May 2020 #1
But it's a blue state... NameAlreadyTaken May 2020 #7
google Feeding America Skittles May 2020 #2
Thanks. Done. question everything May 2020 #5
I donated last week, will donate again Skittles May 2020 #6
It is getting bad. Newest Reality May 2020 #3
potatoes and onions to be plowed under for lack of a leader to reshape delivery lines questionseverything May 2020 #4

question everything

(47,460 posts)
5. Thanks. Done.
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:42 PM
May 2020

That is, I wrote a check. Prefer to mail donations, also helps the postal service, somewhat.

And, as I wrote tomorrow's date, May 8, I could not think of a better way to observe our 42nd anniversary.. So much better than going to a fancy restaurant.




Also, a great use of the stimulus check..

Newest Reality

(12,712 posts)
3. It is getting bad.
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:25 PM
May 2020

Oh, the richest country for a few, if you count ownership, assets and wealth compared to the rest of us. It is just not an "entirely" rich country or things would not be this bad when the mask gets ripped off by a crisis.

I am wondering how long this can go on before it spills over into the streets. People literally starving is bad, and when their children go hungry that is lighting a fuse. Any of us who are parents know what that is about.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Coronavirus News: Line at...