The Massena Neighborhood Center and Food Bank of Central New York will split $20,000 that Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, says she recently obtained for the organizations.

The Food Bank of Central New York distributes food to pantries in St. Lawrence County.

Russell represents the 115th Assembly District, which includes all St. Lawrence County communities on the St. Lawrence River from Massena to Ogdensburg.

The Massena Neighborhood Center will receive $5,000 and the food bank is getting $15,000, Russell said.

The Massena Neighborhood Center provides an array of services for families in need, including emergency food and shelter, and utilities. The agency works with families on family development, budgeting, education and job searching.

“Many families are struggling in Massena and the Neighborhood Center helps these families every day,” Russell said.

She says she recently visited the center to talk about their services.

“I know how much basic expenses have risen in the North Country. Many are struggling to feed their families and I know how hard our food pantries are working to serve them,” Russell said. “The Food Bank of Central New York is the backbone of our local food pantry system."