By Michelle Metcalf

NOPL Communications Director

It is sobering to think that many in our community struggle to provide enough food for their families — and this time of year can be especially difficult. According to the organization Feeding America, 1 in 8 people in Central New York lack access to enough nutritionally adequate foods for an active, healthy lifestyle. One in 5 of these people are children.

To help alleviate this need, the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) is teaming up with New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe for his 4th Annual Food Drive that will benefit the Food Bank of Central New York.  Canned goods and other nonperishable food items can be dropped off at any NOPL location from Dec. 3 to Jan. 3. 

Items to consider donating include: canned tuna or vegetables; canned or dried beans or fruits; pasta, rice and grains; oatmeal and cereal; peanut butter; and soups and stews.

Donations can be placed in the collection bins inside the Brewerton, Cicero and North Syracuse library locations.  You can also drop donations off at Assemblyman Stirpe’s office during regular business hours at 7293 Buckley Road, Suite 201, North Syracuse.