FEMA Cuts Funding to Chenango County United Way

The Chenango united way 2013 campaign is now into its 2nd full month and reports 14.5 % of its goal of 444,000 dollars has been reached. Charlie McMullen, board member of Chenango united way was interviewed Friday and said un ited way faces a crisis in supporting local food banks.

"The United Way is very concerned about the hunger issues in our county," he said. "The emergency food shelter program will not be funding the programs. This is the first time that we have not been funded in 20 years. The loss is $26,000 in funds. These funds are awarded to hunger programs to help alleviate hunger in Chenango County."

The Executive Director of United Way is asking for a reversal of the decision made by FEMA.

According to FEMA, unemployment has improved in Chenango County, but McMullen says that 40 percent of the workforce makes up for the working poor. This could affect the money reserved in the United Way campaign for 17 food pantries and soup kitchens in Chenango County.