Letter from John A. Rudy

Support Local Food Pantries

Due to federal cuts and increased demand, food disbursing organizations in Otsego and surrounding counties are experiencing significant shortfalls in their current operating budgets, reported to be around 25 percent.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to satisfy our own food needs without assistance, should feel an obligation to help those who can’t. Whether motivated by religious mandates to help one’s neighbor, simple altruism, or any other reason, each of us who can should help those organizations financially to fulfill their mission. Doing so is relatively easy and satisfying: Pick an organization providing food assistance to those in need and send it a check.

As my wife and I are residents of Cooperstown, we will increase the amount of our check this year to the Cooperstown Food Pantry. We urge our fellow citizens to do likewise with a check to the organization of their choice.

John A. Rudy
Cooperstown