Demand Explodes For New York Food Banks
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published March 30, 2020 | 11:50 AM
New York food banks have become inundated with newcomers deprived of income since the near-total halt of business in the United States' economic capital
New York, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Mar, 2020 ) :New York food banks have become inundated with newcomers deprived of income since the near-total halt of business in the United States' economic capital.
Sacks of oranges, sweet potatoes and onions are spread over three tables at an open-air market in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in the north of Manhattan. Sterilized milk and cans of tuna and salmon cover three others.
Hundreds of people came over the weekend to restock at the distribution center, one of many run by City Harvest, a major New York-based charity.
There are no long lines reminiscent of the soup kitchens of the 1930s. Instead, people trickle in, often wearing masks for protection and keeping their distance from each other under the direction of market volunteers.
Among the customers is Lina Alba, 40, a single mother with five children aged between 11 and 23. She worked as a maid in a Manhattan hotel until it closed two weeks ago.
Her two oldest children also lost their jobs.
"It is my first time," she said. "We need the help now. This is crazy. So we don't know what's gonna happen in a few weeks." She's trying to stay positive, though. "At least I'm spending time with my kids... I am the teacher, I am the mom -- I am everything." "We are alive, we are healthy, we just need to pray." It took the single mother a week to register for unemployment -- the service flooded, pointing to much worse unemployment numbers than those announced by the Federal government on Thursday.
But on Friday, "I did it, finally," Alba said, relieved.
The benefits should start arriving in three weeks. Alba also hopes to receive soon at least $1,200 from the federal government, thanks to a historic aid package passed last week by Congress.
"It's not gonna be enough," but "you're gonna appreciate anything right now," she said, noting that "a lot of people" need help.
"It is the whole entire city."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
UHS to issue MBBS degrees within three months after final result
Aiman Khan granted UAE Golden Visa
PSX achieves significant milestone, surpasses 72,000 mark
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
More Stories From World
-
UK Rwanda deportation law leaves asylum seekers fearful
3 minutes ago -
More floods expected in China's Pearl River basin: ministry
4 minutes ago -
Water release resumes after partial power outage at Fukushima plant
14 minutes ago -
Spain court says investigating PM's wife for graft
23 minutes ago -
'So hot you can't breathe': Extreme heat hits the Philippines
23 minutes ago -
Thousands in heatwave-hit Bangladesh pray for rain
24 minutes ago
-
China-Pakistan Investment and Trade Symposium held in Qingdao
24 minutes ago -
Escaped army horses bolt through central London
1 hour ago -
China to send fresh crew to Tiangong space station
1 hour ago -
Critics fear Togo reforms leave little room for change in election
1 hour ago -
Victims of China floods race to salvage property
1 hour ago -
Blinken back in China seeking pressure but also stability
2 hours ago