Bargain Grocery Addresses Food Insecurity in Utica

News Summary

Bargain Grocery in Utica plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity by offering affordable food options and partnering with the Compassion Coalition. Established in 2002, the store sells surplus and donated food, significantly aiding community members impacted by rising food prices and inflation. With a reported increase in demand for food assistance, Bargain Grocery’s efforts help feed over 350,000 individuals each year in New York State, while also expanding its reach to new locations like Troy to meet the growing need.

Utica, New York – On July 28, 2023, New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon toured Bargain Grocery, a store located at 1110 Lincoln Avenue in Utica, to highlight its significant role in addressing food insecurity within the community. Established in 2002, Bargain Grocery acts as a vital resource for residents by selling overproduced or donated foods at reduced prices, promoting both food access and waste reduction.

Bargain Grocery has formed a crucial partnership with the Compassion Coalition, an organization that distributes donated goods throughout the Utica area. This collaborative effort aims to tackle the pressing issues of food waste and food insecurity while providing more affordable food choices to families. The store’s offerings include a variety of products, such as fresh produce, dairy, meats, frozen goods, and prepared meals, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.

According to the store’s website, an alarming 40% of food in the United States goes uneaten, highlighting the significance of stores like Bargain Grocery. Additionally, statistics show that nearly 1 in 8 Americans faces inconsistent access to food. In Oneida County, where Utica is located, around 12.3% of residents—approximately 28,440 individuals—are classified as food insecure as of 2016.

During her visit, Commissioner Reardon commended Bargain Grocery’s efforts in providing access to affordable food, emphasizing that all New Yorkers should have access to fresh and affordable food options. She acknowledged that food insecurity affects a diverse range of individuals, not just those living in low-income situations. Many people face unexpected life challenges that can lead to their food insecurity.

Through its operation, Bargain Grocery generates crucial funds that enable the Compassion Coalition to distribute over $20 million in donations annually to more than 350,000 individuals throughout New York State. This support is critical in a time when local food pantries are reporting shortages and increasingly high demand for food assistance. In response to ongoing economic challenges, the grocery store offers discounts for customers utilizing SNAP and EBT cards, making it easier for families to afford the groceries they need.

Inflation and the discontinuation of pandemic emergency food assistance programs have worsened food insecurity in the region. The Food Bank of Central New York, which serves as a primary distributor of food to local pantries, has reported a 27% increase in food distribution in comparison to the previous year. Consequently, local food pantries have noticed an unprecedented rise in demand for assistance, necessitating greater community support.

To meet this rising need, community organizations are mobilizing to bolster support for local food pantries. The Recently established Helpful Harvest Fund, initiated by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, aims to bolster financial and material support for local food distribution efforts. However, local organizations are also facing a challenge with a shortage of volunteers, which complicates the ability to serve the increasing number of individuals seeking food assistance.

In response to the growing demand, Bargain Grocery is also expanding its reach by opening a satellite location in Troy, further extending its mission to provide affordable food options to more communities. Commissioner Reardon has underscored the importance of food assistance as an integral component of broader efforts focused on promoting economic stability and wellbeing for individuals and families across New York.

In summary, the efforts by Bargain Grocery and the Compassion Coalition represent a significant response to the challenges of food insecurity in Utica and beyond. Through their focus on affordable pricing, community partnership, and waste reduction, they aim to create a more secure food environment for those in need.

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• UticaOD
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
• Times Union
• Google News: Affordable Food New York