In A Season Of Giving Some New York Food Pantries Are Facing A Shortage

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Tis the season to give, but this year there is a shortage at local food pantries.

Orin Johnson told CBS2's Alex Denis that he wants everyone to share in his mission.

"You'll see a single parent with a kid in a stroller, you'll see a teenage kid, you'll see an elderly person in their 70s and 80s, you'll see someone your age. Maybe bump into someone you haven't seen in a while," he said.

Johnson picks up and delivers food donations for City Harvest.

"We collect anything from produce to canned foods, from frozen meats to breads," Johnson said.

This year, employees felt overwhelmed by need.

A 2014, federal government report showed that 42-percent of New York City households can't afford necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

"We're seeing more people who are employed and just can't afford food for their families," Matthew Krivich, The Bowery Mission said.

To help, City Harvest set a lofty collection goal; 1,000,000-lbs of food which will feed hundreds of thousands of families. They still have a long way to go before the January 16 deadline.

"We need another half-million to meet that million pound goal," Jeanne Traugot, manager, Food Drive City Harvest.

Top on the list of needs, high protein, non-perishable, food items like tuna and peanut butter.

The items donated now get counted and then go to stock food pantries like The Bowery Mission that feed people year round.

Donation bins can be found at local police and fire stations, Good Will stores, and municipal credit unions withing the five boroughs.

"You get a reminder on just how grateful you should be for the situation you are in and to know someone is always doing worse than you," Johnson said.

Judging by the dozens of notes sent by thankful children, the donations go a long way.

The drive ends January 16.

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