Rochester, N.Y. — New funds will continue to keep the shelves stocked at the Trillium Health food pantry on Monroe Avenue.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced nearly $5 million in funding for upgrades at the facility.

This includes renovations to increase shelf space, and a large freezer will be purchased with the money.

“Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social health outcomes, and it’s increasingly considered a public health issue,” said Jason Barnecut-Kearns, president and CEO at Trillium. “In the past year alone, Trillium Health has served over 1,3000 people. That’s nearly 4,500 times with an estimated 300,000 pounds of food.”

The funds are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Construction on the food pantry will begin early next year, and should be completed by the spring.

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