A food distribution drive on Saturday provided fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to over 100 residents in Pelham Parkway.
“You have to love your community, and as a community, this is amazing,” said resident Yvette Areizaga.
Ariezaga stood in line with an empty cart outside of the Dervish Social Adult Daycare. She told News 12 she was hoping to donate the produce she received to her neighbors.
“Now with the cutbacks, inflation, it’s making it even worse and people are not able to make ends meet with the cost of living. Their salaries are not mirroring what the cost of living is,” she said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prices of groceries has skyrocketed nearly 30% since February 2020.
Residents expressed their relief as they walked around the table of produce.
“It’s very good because the food is very pricey, this is very good help in our defense,” one woman told News 12.
The event was also an opportunity to build community. A volunteer at Dervish Social Adult Daycare said it was her second year joining the food distribution drive.
“I think it is important because even if you do not profit off of it, you can go and help and donate your time and interact with people, see all different types of people. You see that you’re not the only one struggling,” said Hilary Quinones.
Organizers told News 12 the distribution drive happens monthly.