At a press conference earlier today, we discussed the following situations currently impacting the #greatplainsfoodbank:
Anticipate 1 million fewer pounds to distribute this fiscal year (800,000 fewer meals).
Budgeting $2.2 million to purchase food this year, which is twice as much as last year and the highest in the organization's 39-year history.
Food donations are at their lowest since 2018 (when we served 30,000 fewer individuals).
Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the cost of food rose to 14.3 percent in June over the last year for those in the Midwest region (causing an even greater strain on the clients we serve).
“There are many elements at work here that are creating challenges for the organization in meeting the hunger needs of our neighbors. We are anticipating a significant food shortfall this year, but are working to be innovative in ways we can best fill this gap. We don’t want to paint the picture that there won’t be food available. We will still be here to serve our neighbors living with food insecurity who rely on our services each day. 1 million pounds fewer equals 800,000 meals not available to our neighbors in need. If there ever was a time when the public can assist us in filling this gap, now is the time.”
-Great Plains Food Bank Chief Operating Officer Kate Molbert
Read more: https://www.greatplainsfoodbank.org/great-plains-food.../
Original source can be found here.
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