WSCAH faces 182% rise in demand for food assistance in NYC

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The West Side Campaign Against Hunger has seen a dramatic 182% increase in demand for its services, underscoring the urgent need for food assistance in New York City.

Moneka Ireas, a single mother from Brooklyn, is one of many turning to WSCAH after losing her food stamp benefits.

With a three-year-old son who has special needs and a one-year-old, Ireas has come to rely on the organization for fresh produce.

"It was hard," she shared, reflecting on the challenges she faces. "Before we had full coverage in HRA, so they gave me seven something for my whole family but when they changed the amount of $300, that was a food change."

The reduction in benefits has made it difficult for Ireas to provide for her young children, especially during the summer when they are home all day. "This organization helped me," she said, emphasizing the crucial role WSCAH plays in her life. "Especially when you have kids, kids now in the summer eat a lot because they stay home the whole day."

Nationwide, the end of pre-pandemic emergency allotments for SNAP benefits in February 2023 resulted in a decrease in benefits for all recipients, further exacerbating food insecurity...