Published: October 02, 2008 04:01 pm         

C’town Food Bank to cut its services

Staff Report

The Cooperstown Food Bank has announced that it will no longer be able to serve emergency food assistance to all of Otsego County.

According to co-director Audrey Murray, the food bank has seen a 60 percent increase in the number of families seeking emergency food assistance over the last year and is finding it impossible to cope with the increased costs. Murray said the food bank’s monthly deliveries from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern N.Y. in Latham in both August and September, were 13,000 pounds.

Murray said in August 2008 the food bank served a record 169 families - 60 of which were from the greater Oneonta area. She added, nearly all of the food bank’s funding is from the community and churches of Cooperstown, a population just over 2000, and because of that, the food bank will limit it services to people living in Northern Otsego County. The following communities will no longer be served: Oneonta, Otego, Worcester, Schenevus, Maryland, Portlandville, Colliersville, Morris, Butternuts, Wells Bridge, Gilbertsville, Unadilla and Laurens.

`` Those who live in the Oneonta area (south of Milford ) willáneed to seek assistance from the three food pantries and soup kitchens in Oneonta,’’ said Murray. ``This is the first time in the 30 year history of the Cooperstown Food Bank that we have limited access to assistance.’’

Murray said she is very concerned that the huge increase in the price of home heating fuel this winter and the current economic turmoil will continue to stress the food bank’s resources despite service cuts. Donations of food and funds are greatly appreciated, said Murray.

The food bank is an all volunteer organization located at the First Presbyterian Church on Church Street. It uses volunteers to collect donations of food and funds, stock shelves, transport deliveries from its regional delivery site, unload deliveries, do bookkeeping and paperwork, organize volunteer staff, and provide assistance to families seeking emergency food aid. Murray said since the food bank has no administrative costs, and space is rent free, donations received go directly to the needy.

Hours of operation continue to be Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.