ROCHESTER, N.Y. — We are now six months into the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that time, Foodlink has delivered some 14 million pounds of food to those in need.  

That’s 5 million pounds more than normal for a six month period. 

With school starting, the organization is busier than ever. 

“I would say with the school year just starting up, one of the biggest hurdles to get over is just figuring out the best way to serve the children of Rochester and the surrounding areas. As you have heard, there’s hybrid models, there are fully in-school and fully remote, and all of that requires a different type of food service model," said Foodlink Chief Operating Officer Terra Keller.

She says the kitchen is a super busy place, as employees and volunteers work to make sure all children and families are fed. 

Keller says since March, the organization has faced a number of challenges, but has found creative and innovative ways to solve problems and is collaborating with other groups throughout the community, because the need remains. 

“Generally when something like massive layoffs occur or the economy goes into a recession, food banks are responding for the long term. So we’re looking at this for the next two years of seeing an increased need in emergency food. A lot of individuals are very new to the emergency food systems. They have been living paycheck to paycheck and now that’s been pulled from them, so they’re just navigating their way around it," said Keller.

Foodlink hosts Monroe County drive-through food distributions. Preregistration is required. 

To get information about preregistering and about locations and times, you can go to Foodlinkny.org or call 211.