With many food pantries struggling to feed the needy amid the economic crisis, Gov. David Paterson announced Friday that he will allocate $1 million in emergency funds for regional food banks.

Paterson says the money will come from his discretionary fund, which means he can spend it without the Legislature's approval.

Officials say the number of people applying for food aid has increased by 35 percent in the last year. Rosa D?Anna, vice president of the Lighthouse Mission in Patchogue, says food has been flying off the shelves in recent months.

?The extra $1 million is fantastic,? D?Anna says. ?There are food pantries all across Long Island that could use the help. Unfortunately, it's probably going to go really quick.?

Randi Shubin Dresner, of Island Harvest, hopes some of the governor?s money will also benefit her organization, which distributes food to pantries across Long Island.

?There are so many more middle class people that are struggling, and middle class people are usually the ones who support organizations like Island Harvest,? Dresner says.