From the Director
Coming to you at the end of 2024 with a heartfelt message of thanks for your generosity and to let you know “the State of the IFC”!
Given recent headlines bringing attention to child poverty rates in Onondaga County, possible freezes and changes to Federal funding for emergency food networks and providers, and possible tariffs and other actions that increase the cost of living, specifically food, it is a good reminder to share that the IFC does not receive any government funding. {Syracuse has the nation’s worst child poverty among larger U.S. cities, according to new census estimates recently released. The city had a child poverty rate of 45.6% in estimates covering the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.}
We are blessed with faithful support from too many individuals, churches, organizations and local charitable foundations to name, along with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and the Syracuse University Ceramics Arts Dept with our annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser that provide the needed resources for those we serve.
So, our message is one of commitment to mission, consistent service to our neighbors, good stewardship of its resources and gratitude to all of you for your sustaining support.
To give you a little overview of our activities in 2024:
Number of pounds of food donated was 73,484 vs 47,690 in 2023
Number of Food Donations going out was 848 vs 807 in 2023
Number of pounds of food going out 66,088 vs 47,304
We have been able to increase the amount of food going out to our pantries and those in need because of generous donations. We hope to continue this effort in 2025.
IFC serves small and under-resourced food pantries, senior housing facilities, social workers, city schools and other providers in the local emergency food network.
IFC receives and distributes approximately 8000+ pounds in total of non-perishable food items per MONTH! (*The approximate average wholesale value of one pound of donated product at the national level is determined to be $1.74, based upon a study performed by Feeding America which equates to $6,960/mo. (unsustainable without your help!)
IFC receives approximately 90 calls a month, many of which are for referral services.
IFC relies solely on donations of food and finance from individual contributors, churches, local organizations, foundations and businesses. We operate on a minimal annual administrative budget.
IFC has been assisting several Social Workers in the Syracuse City School District to help set up small food pantries to serve those students and families in need.
The IFC fills an important role in helping with the food insecurity that exists in our community. In our area, all of our pantries are extremely grateful for that which we provide to them each month, some being their only source of supplemental food.
How can anyone help?
Hold a Food Drive in your neighborhood, nearby school, church, synagogue, or mosque.
Grab a few extra items on your next trip to the grocery store and share with us to distribute.
Donate on our webpage, www.ifccny.org, or in the enclosed envelope. Monetary donations are used to buy food like Ensure, Pancake mix and syrup, cereals and other items that we don’t often receive. We just made a purchase of cereal and can’t believe how the prices have increased for this most desired item.
In addition, Food Stamp monies have been reduced along with increased transportation and housing costs, causing a real hardship for so many.
We are realistic about what is happening today and so we humbly ask for food donations, monetary help as well as spreading the word of our work.
MAY EVERYONE ADOPT A GENUINE GIVING SPIRIT WHICH IS WHAT KEEPS FOOD ON OUR PLATES, “so no one has to Hope for a meal.”
Blessings,
Kate Artessa, Executive Director (she/her)
Interreligious Food Consortium of CNY
731 James Street, Syracuse NY 13203
(315) 474-8855 www.ifccny.org ifcif@hotmail.com