More Families Turn To Local Pantry Amid Inflation, COVID: Report

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — As everything from gas to groceries becomes more expensive, people in Queens are turning to a local food pantry for support, according to a new report.

Commonpoint Queens, a social services non-profit on 108th Street in Forest Hills that operates centers across the borough, has found its food pantries in higher-than-ever demand amid the compounding effects of the pandemic and inflation.

"It’s a matter of being able to put food on the table," Queens resident Angela Hirsch told CBSNY as to what brought her to Commonpoint Queens for the first time this month.

Another resident who went to the pantry told the outlet that he can no longer afford to live in the borough like he used to.

"My social security benefit is not enough to survive," said Vladimir Epshteyn.

Commonpoint Queens has been a source of support for locals throughout the pandemic, donating over 1 million pounds of food in 2020 and adding hygienic basics to pantries when possible.

Read the full CBSNY article here.