We regularly see rosy economic news locally. Orders are coming in quickly for New Flyer. Cummins is investing hundred of millions of dollars to install a new line to make new engines. Electrovaya is working to open a new lithium ion battery plant in West Ellicott. Hiring signs are hung outside businesses throughout the Jamestown area.

But things aren’t all roses for many in our midst.

Food pantries can’t keep supplies on the shelves because the need is so high. Eight separate providers of emergency food told The Post-Journal late last week they need help. We usually hear about these types of issues in the winter, when heating bills go up and people need holiday-related help, but usually food pantries aren’t asking for help in July. Facebook posts from people asking where they can find emergency food pantries are popping up more and more often. And city officials declared a state of emergency over the number of homeless in Jamestown. There are many reasons for the shocking increase in homelessness over the past few years – but it’s safe to say the local economy is one culprit.

We noted recently in this space how rising food insecurity should be an issue as we enter the election season. Our reporting over the weekend doesn’t change that view. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris need to do more to focus the presidential election on kitchen table issues. In our view the economy and inflation are the biggest issues in this election. Small cities like Jamestown shouldn’t be seeing the type of food insecurity we’re seeing – and change should start at the top.

But it’s also becoming obvious that the organizations who are trying to help struggling families make it from paycheck to paycheck, or from SNAP benefit day to SNAP benefit day, need more help. Those who have an ability to donate should do so. We also note New York has paid a lot of lip service to helping feed the hungry over the years. If this is truly an emergency situation, and it appears that it is, then it’s time for the state to work with its partner organizations to help restock pantry shelves, too.

And then, let’s fix the root cause of this problem an economy that is leaving too many people’s cupboards bare.