Bed-Stuy Food Pantry Strains Under Coronavirus Rush

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — Food stores are running low at Bed-Stuy's The Campaign Against Hunger as coronavirus fears have increased demand at the pantry.

Normally, the pantry serves about 300 households a day, said founder Melony Samuels. On Friday, volunteers put together bags of food for more than 800 homes, she said.

"We are running out, as you can imagine," she said.

Shelves at grocery stores across the city have started to empty out as people stock up for long days at home isolating themselves from the coronavirus.

The need is especially great for seniors, who are the most vulnerable to the virus, wrote Bed-Stuy's city Councilman Robert Cornegy on Twitter. He arranged for The Campaign Against Hunger to give seniors a month of groceries "while supplies last."

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in NYC and school closings, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

Samuels said as of Friday the supplies won't last long. Not only are food stores running low, the volunteers needed to pack and deliver bags are "shying away" because of coronavirus concerns, she said.

The pantry had just two volunteers working Friday, struggling to meet the increased demand, Samuels said. They normally have 15 on any given day, she said.

The pantry next week will shift away from bags of food selected by patrons toward a pre-packed bags, Samuel said. There's just not enough food and help to give people a choice, she said.

Samuels said donations and volunteers are needed now more than ever.

"It's getting really difficult," she said.

Donations can be made through The Campaign Against Hunger's website or by calling 718-773-3551, extension 152.

Samuels said the pantry will continue to give food to anyone in need, but it may shift away from deliveries during the coronavirus outbreak. She said people who need food amid the coronavirus can call 718-773-3551, extension 112.

Coronavirus in NYC: A Roundup of What's Happened