by Caitlin Buckley

On a recent Saturday morning, the line at the River Fund in Richmond Hill, Queens, stretched around the block, while Fay, a social worker, moved down the line, answering questions and checking in on regular clients. The River Fund is a Food Bank member and, like most of the programs in our network, they have seen their number of clients soar. Fay has been seeing more visitors than ever, and some are seeking for help for the first time. “We’re seeing a very different sector,” she noted, “people who are recently unemployed, who just lost their jobs, or are even working and can’t make ends meet.”
 

A River Fund client with a pantry bag

Upstairs in the house, Wilfredo Morales was helping to connect pantry clients with much-needed food stamps, Medicaid, unemployment and other services. In the garage that houses the River Fund’s choice-style food pantry, a volunteer welcomed clients with warmth, listing the foods available for selection. “We’ve got corn, beans, spinach, yams — we’ve got mango juice,” she announced as people stepped forward.

The River Fund encourages membership and offers services beyond food distribution. One client, a social worker who supports four children and her sister and mother, had just picked up a bag of produce and canned goods, as well as some new clothing, a special offering that day. The River Fund has also helped her with toys and Christmas presents for the kids.

Back in the line, Uma Corveddu was greeting clients, hugging their children and handing out treats. Later that morning, she would travel down to Coney Island, where the River Fund’s “Under the Boardwalk” program distributes prepared foods to homeless clients. Uma reiterated the increased need and long pantry lines the River Fund has seen: “It has been amazing — we’re talking double.”

Originally featured in Food For Thought Fall 2009, the Food Bank’s print newsletter.