Access to Hygiene Products is Increased

CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON – The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and its parent organization, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, with support from Bank of America, are launching The Care Necessities: a campaign to increase access to personal care and hygiene products for low-income New Yorkers.

Many people are unaware that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits do not cover the cost of personal care, feminine hygiene, or personal hygiene products, forcing low-income individuals and families to make the difficult decision between buying food or paying rent or utilities and purchasing personal or feminine hygiene items.

Bank of America has committed $25,000 in funding for the campaign and challenges the community to raise an additional $25,000 throughout the month of May to double the impact. “No one should have to make the choice between keeping the lights on or purchasing toothpaste and soap,” said Jillian K. Pasco, Bank of America Senior Vice President; Albany/Hudson Valley Market Executive and Steering Committee Chair. “Bank of America is proud to partner with the Food Bank to raise awareness of this critical issue and help those in need gain access to these basic essentials.”

In a Feeding America study of 350 food insecure households, families utilized coping strategies to deal with a lack of personal care or hygiene items. 88% extended product use by using less, 69% skipped washing dishes or doing laundry, 48% delayed changing a diaper, 37% brushed teeth without toothpaste, and 33% bathed without soap. (Study link: https://www.feedingamerica.org/sites/default/files/research/in-short-supply/in-short-supply-executive.pdf)

The Food Bank invites support from the community. Interested people can give a financial gift, organize an in-person or virtual hygiene drive, or fundraise online. Visit https://foodbankofhudsonvalley.org/thecarenecessities or call (845) 534-5344 to learn more.

About the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to 400 charitable agencies feeding more than 117,000 food-insecure people in 6 counties of the Hudson Valley. Last year, the organization distributed more than 20 million pounds of food. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks, and is supported by foundations, private contributions, and fundraising events. For more information, call (845) 534-5344 or visit www.foodbankofhudsonvalley.org.