This town hall, hosted by News12’s Tara Rosenblum, sheds light on the state of hunger in Westchester County one year after the first COVID-19 case hit New Rochelle.

Wednesday, March 3 marks one year since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Westchester. Since then, Feeding Westchester, the county’s largest nonprofit hunger-relief organization, has responded to record need in the community – serving more than twice as many residents in 2020 compared to prior years. Looking ahead, the nonprofit warns that hunger will remain a significant challenge faced by thousands locally long beyond an improved health landscape brought about by COVID vaccinations and eventual herd immunity.

According to a study by Feeding America, food insecurity in Westchester County has risen by more than 50 percent during the pandemic. From April through December 2020, Feeding Westchester’s network of nearly 300 community partners and programs throughout the county served an average of 275,000 to 300,000 hungry residents each month compared to 125,000 to 150,000 people monthly pre-COVID. Throughout 2020, the nonprofit distributed 22 million pounds of food, or 18.4 million meals.

“Every day, individuals and families are making tough choices – often having to choose between paying for rent, medication, or food,” said Karen C. Erren, President & CEO of Feeding Westchester. “The level of hunger in our own backyard remains at a record high and our neighbors in need rely on us to continue to provide food.”

Please watch and share this town hall to learn about what’s happening, right here in Westchester County.