Representatives of food assistance programs in Rockland County sounded the alarm Thursday as the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will end emergency food funding to families in need on March 1.

Franck Phanor began to receive SNAP benefits at the beginning of the pandemic. He has been receiving $281 a month thanks to additional funding for the SNAP program through the government. Even with the extra help, however, he still struggles.

"The food is never enough because things are becoming so expensive. You go to the market, the value of the food. Something you used to buy for $2 and it's not even $4, close to $5," Phanor said.

That additional funding was created during the pandemic but is set to expire on March 1. Afterwards, those who receive the SNAP benefit will receive an amount that is income-based.

For example, people over the age of 65, in a single-income household, much like Phanor, will receive $23 a month. That $23 is supposed to feed him for a month.

"There will be more struggling," Phanor said. "There's nowhere else to turn, so I don't know."

Neither do those responsible for feeding the food insecure because that additional funding provided Rockland County SNAP beneficiaries is $6 million a month. There is just no way for the various food organizations within the county, like United Way or the Rockland Community Against Hunger to bridge that gap.

Representatives of these local food organizations teamed up at the Louis Kurtz Civic Center in Spring Valley to sound the alarm on the impending crises and issued a plea for help.

"We are urging the community and corporations to help. Every dollar donated will go to food for meal programs and food pantries. Every dollar that's spent by a pantry of a food bank can buy $8 to $12 worth of food," said Rosie Samudio, of Westcop Spring Valley.

To donate, please visit the  United Way or Rockland Community Against Hunger websites.