The “Conduit in a Box” truck is pictured in Brooklyn Square. The truck provides a hot meal, coffee, hot cocoa and water for those who may be facing food insecurities or in need of support. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Food insecurities and food deserts are two issues affecting many in the Jamestown area.

However, a few local faith-based ministries and churches are fighting back against the hunger pains of those who are feeling the pinch and pangs of the food deserts in the area.

Conduit Ministries of Jamestown has launched a weekly food truck program to assist residents who may be facing food insecurities and to provide resources for those who may need other assistance. The truck is out Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Brooklyn Square.

“We served 40 meals today, which included three families,” said Sharon Clark, a volunteer and church member of Conduit Ministries. “This is our third week out here and we’re averaging about 50 people a week.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is defined as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. The USDA has also declared part of Jamestown as being in a food desert, an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. Additionally, those who are homeless are at even greater risk of being food insecure.

“We’re starting to see more and more unfamiliar faces who are coming for food,” Clark said. “The first two weeks the same group of people came back. We have one family of six who’ve been here every week and you can tell they’re struggling.”

However, Conduit Ministries aren’t the only ones with skin in the game.

“We will provide a hot meal and warm beverages at our church this winter, during open house,” said the Rev. Dodi McIntyre at a recent Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition meeting.

“The faith-based community came together last year, and we’re not walking away this year,” McIntyre said. “We’re still going to offer services and food. Any agency is invited to come to our church and provide services right where the need is.”

According to a USDA survey conducted in 2022, 98% reported having worried their food would run out before they had money to buy more; 97% reported the food they bought just did not last, and they did not have money to get more; 96% reported they could not afford to eat balanced meals; 96% reported an adult had cut the size of meals or skipped meals because there was not enough money for food; 87% reported this had occurred in three or more months; 95% reported they had eaten less than they felt they should because there was not enough money for food; 65% reported they had been hungry but did not eat because they could not afford enough food; 46% reported having lost weight because they did not have enough money for food; and 29% reported an adult did not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food.

“We are very hungry. I work and work, but everything is so expensive,” said Isabella Quinones, a native of Hormigueros, Puerto Rico and resident of Jamestown. “My husband works too; we don’t drink or smoke…Thank you to the churches who help with the food. I can’t see my kids go hungry too.”

For those having issues feeding their families or for more information on assistance, contact the Chautauqua County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at 716-661-8200 in the south county and 716-363-3500 in the north county, or email them at Dssfs@co.chautauqua.ny.us