ACCORD Supporting Local Families Through Rising Food Needs

Community encouraged to support local food pantries as demand grows

BELMONT, NY — Many individuals and families across Allegany County were struggling before and are now faced with even more pressure as the cost of food, housing, transportation, and other basic necessities continues to rise. At the same time, programs designed to help bridge the gap, such as SNAP and other support services, remain in limbo.

In Allegany County, more than 5,200 individuals currently rely on SNAP benefits to help stretch their grocery budgets. The county’s overall food insecurity rate is 11.9%, meaning roughly one in nine individuals struggles to afford enough to eat. Among children, the rate is even higher — 17.8%, or nearly one in five. Adults (18–64) experience food insecurity at 10.5%, while 6.3% of seniors (65+) face similar challenges.

Local food pantries and emergency food programs have seen a steady increase in visits over the past year as working individuals and households turn to community resources to keep food on the table. ACCORD’s Community Food Pantry has experienced a greater than 40% increase in use in 2024, serving more individuals and households than ever before.

“Working families are being hit the hardest,” explains ACCORD’s Executive Director, Lesley Gooch-Christman. “These are ALICE households, Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed, the people who work every day but still struggle to afford the basics. When grocery prices rise, that money has to come from somewhere, often rent, utilities, or medical costs. The trade-offs are getting harder every month.”

Food is our main concern right now. It’s our most needed and critical service, and it’s where we can use the most support and where donors can make the biggest impact. ACCORD and its community partners continue to coordinate resources to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food and essential support during this challenging time.

To respond to the immediate need, ACCORD will host an Emergency Pop-Up Pantry for individuals and households impacted by the SNAP disruption on Thursday, November 14th . Registration will open Monday, November 10th at 7 a.m. at accordcorp.org/pup. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.

ACCORD’s Food Pantry is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., with walk-in services available. The organization is also exploring ways to expand service hours to include select weeknights, with details to be announced soon.

As the demand for food continues to grow, ACCORD is also seeking volunteers to help keep operations running smoothly. “We are serving more individuals and households than ever before,” Gooch-Christman added. “We’re stocking more food, packing more boxes, and reaching more people — all while working at or above capacity. Volunteers can make an immediate and meaningful difference right now.”

Community members who are able to help are encouraged to donate food, contribute financially, or volunteer with ACCORD or their local hometown food pantry.

Every act of generosity helps ensure that no one in Allegany County goes hungry.

Donate online: accordcorp.org/donate

Give local. Feed local. Support your local food pantry.

Need Help? Food and Resource Connections

If you or someone you know needs help with food or other basic needs, the following resources are available to connect you with local support:

Find a Food Pantry Near You: Use Foodlink’s Food Finder Map at foodlinkny.org/find-food

211 Helpline- Finger Lakes Region

Call: 2-1-1 or 1-800-346-2211 — available 24/7/365

Text: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Text your ZIP code to 898211

Online Search: www.211helpline.org

About ACCORD

Founded in 1970, ACCORD Corporation is a 501(c)(3) Community Action Agency serving Allegany County and surrounding areas. ACCORD’s mission is to fight poverty and promote self-sufficiency by providing access to education, housing, economic development, and family services that strengthen individuals and communities.

ACCORD’s programs are supported in part by federal, state, and local funding, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), as well as through community partnerships and private donations. The contents of this release are solely the responsibility of ACCORD Corporation and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or ACF.