LIBERTY -- The holidays are about giving back. But for Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties and A Single Bite, giving back is not limited to a time of year. Instead, it takes place 365 days a year.

The two organizations and State Senator Jen Metzger (NY-42) partnered together on Wednesday in Liberty to provide meals and supplies to families in need.

Event attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for a free virtual Narcan training with Catholic Charities, to be held at a later date.

Here's a little background on A Single Bite and Catholic Charities ...

A Single Bite

The local nonprofit, prior to the pandemic, worked in-person with school districts to introduce children to the difference between processed food and real food, where real food comes from and how to make simple healthy meals. During the pandemic, they shifted gears to help local families as COVID-19 has exacerbated poverty and food insecurity in the area. Ten days after schools closed for remote instruction in March, A Single Bite began feeding 300 people a week.

Presently, that number has increased more than three-fold, with them feeding approximately 1,000 people a week, with as many as 24 households in Liberty alone. And those numbers are growing.

They've partnered with social workers at schools in the county who identify families in need and connect them with the program. They've also added families to the route that have reached out directly.

A Single Bite Program Manager, Anastasija Ocheretina, noted that they sent out postcards across the county around Thanksgiving, with info about the program. Since then, many people have reached out to request meals or to connect people they know with the program, helping make the holidays more special for many families in the area.

"It's really impactful for me," said Ocheretina, "just to make a difference in the community."

If you'd like to donate to A Single Bite, find out more info about the program, request meals for your family or someone in need, visit www.asinglebite.org or email info@asinglebite.org.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities has been hosting pop-up pantries with Senator Metzger's office throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties during the pandemic to help address food insecurity and other immediate needs impacted by COVID.

“With these efforts, we want to bring hope and recognition to people in need so they know they are not alone,” said Chief Advancement Officer Kristin Jensen. “There are services and community resources available to assist folks who are struggling during these difficult times, but frequently they don't know where to turn.”

Catholic Charities Case Management staff meet with pantry visitors to aid with emergency needs, including food, shelter, utility assistance, and baby supplies. Jensen said masks and hand sanitizer are frequently distributed at the pantries to aid in the fight against COVID-19.

Some of these pop-up pantries have incorporated lifesaving Narcan training so families can be equipped to assist their loved ones should an opioid overdose occur. Catholic Charities has witnessed a spike in substance use and overdose during the pandemic as some individuals turn to substances to manage their stress and anxiety.

“We're grateful to the many community partners who participate in the pop-up pantries and share in Catholic Charities' mission to provide help and create hope,” Jensen said.

For more information about Catholic Charities, visit www.cccsos.org. People can also contact ccosuhelpline@cccsos.org for assistance.

Wednesday's event

The state senator praised A Single Bite for combating food insecurity which she said has seen a huge increase during the pandemic. She also noted how they make meals with fresh produce from local farms, which also helps them at a tough time. “It's a win-win philosophy that I fully embrace,” said Metzger.

She was also complimentary of Catholic Charities for their role in helping the most vulnerable members of our communities over the years, particularly in helping people get treatment for substance use disorder, saving lives in the process.

“I'm thrilled to be partnering with these organizations,” said Metzger. “I've partnered with them throughout my first term in the State Senate. And this is a time of great need.

“Not only have we seen a huge increase in food insecurity during this pandemic, but there's this other health crisis, the opioid crisis, “Metzger explained, noting that there's been a recent increase in opioid related overdoses. “It's so important that people be trained in how to administer Narcan and opioid reversal medications.”

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