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As the season begins to change, many of our summer friends leave the Island and head back to their other homes. Those of us who stay year round start winding down summer jobs, get the kids back to school and make preparations for the harsher weather. For a portion of year round Islanders, the change in seasons means things get tougher and many will turn to IGI’s food equity programs for assistance.
Over this last year, we have seen a steady–and sizable–increase in clients at the Island Food Pantry. Over 4,200 Islanders are now registered with the Pantry. Food insecurity on the Island is growing due to the lack of affordable housing, the seasonal nature of our work and the rising costs of utilities and transportation. Compounding the situation is the pending elimination of state and federal COVID benefits and the fact that so many spend more than half their income on housing. The demand for assistance from the Pantry is higher than it’s ever been.
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