An improving economy is shown by the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) report that shows slower price increases, mostly for food and energy. With core inflation for necessities at 4% instead of 3%, this positive trend hasn’t helped regular people yet. The fact that this happened shows that basic needs are still expensive.
Community-Powered Relief Efforts for Economic Struggles
A distinguished UAlbany economics professor, Kajal Lahiri, notes that lower inflation rates take time to affect daily expenses. The drop in inflation may not lower grocery and essential item prices for a year.
As people struggle to manage their finances, the Fresh Table Community Pantry has offered nutritious meals to help them. This collaboration with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York provides food distribution in Scotia and Glenville to help families choose between heating their homes and eating healthy food.
Justin Cook and Kimberly Talbot, co-founders of the initiative, oversee operations to ensure that SNAP-dependent people have access to essential food every third Wednesday. Plans call for three pop-up pantries at Glen Worden Elementary School, Glenville Senior Center, and Schenectady County Public Library through February.
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Empowering Communities Amidst Economic Challenges
Families receive healthy, sustainably sourced food from the Fresh Table Community Pantry because they care about the community. In Scotia and Glenville, they provide nutrition to food-insecure families and individuals.
The Fresh Table Community Pantry’s website has more information for supporters. This captures the article’s main points, highlighting inflation’s persistent challenges and the Fresh Table Community Pantry’s effective food access efforts in Scotia and Glenville.