Local food pantries that became lifelines for so many during the pandemic are being recognized on National Food Pantry Day.

The need for food spiked during the pandemic, but more than two years later, Hudson Valley food pantries say the need remains just as high.

Thirteen food pantries received the New York State Senate Empire Award on Friday from state Sen. Peter Harckham.

Cynthia Knox runs a food pantry in Peekskill. She says inflation is compounding recovery.

"It's the increase in gas prices, inflation, particularly the increase in housing costs, " says Knox, of Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill.

Because everyone is paying more, pantries say people are donating less. It comes at a time when the need is just as high since the start of the pandemic.