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State Budget Impasse Taking Toll On Westmoreland County Food Bank

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Westmoreland County Food Bank is $200,000 behind in donations from last year.

They've dipped into their reserves, but it's not enough, and with no state budget, they haven't received the $300,000 owed from the state.

It's a frightening sight no food bank wants to see, shelves beginning to empty and they're not getting restocked.

"Donations are down this year; we're about $200,000 behind what we were this point last year," said Kris Douglas, the food bank's CEO.

From individuals, to foundations, for whatever reason, people aren't helping.

"We're left to make up as much as we can. We've dipped into reserves to provide as much food as we can," said Douglas.

Adding to the problem is Harrisburg. The governor and legislators lack of compromise on a budget means lack of resources at the food bank.

"With no state budget, we're currently owed about $300,000 since July 1, that's a big hole in our budget," said Douglas. "We get $400,000 from the state food program in Pennsylvania."

The food on their shelves now has already been allocated, and if volunteers don't soon step up and help.

"This time of year is when we see the most need," Douglas said. "A lot of times, people think, come Jan. 1 - hunger disappears. They're just as hungry in March as they are in October, November."

Due to some companies leaving the area and the downturn in the shale gas industry, more people need help keeping food on the table.

"The first time you go to a food pantry, you see the people standing in line to get food; 99.9 percent of those people don't want to be there," says Douglas. "It's a very tough thing to swallow their pride and go get services from somebody."

If you want to help, visit these links:

 

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