Rising inflation and fuel costs in the United States have resulted in more Americans finding themselves in need of help from their local food bank and leaders in the industry tell Fox News Digital that working families are becoming fixtures in the long lines at food distribution sites.
The surging inflation that is driving the increased need at food banks across the country has affected Americans of all backgrounds and financial situations, which is evidenced by the long lines in Westchester County, New York, the second-wealthiest county in the state.
Karen Erren, president and CEO of Feeding Westchester, told Fox News Digital that her organization has expanded its food distribution times and the line is often filled with people in bright orange uniforms who have come from job sites.
“We serve children, we serve seniors, we serve hardworking families who just can’t make ends meet,” Erren said, adding that the demand she has seen recently is higher than it has ever been.
“I got a really daunting email from one of our great partners yesterday who said that in the two distributions they did they never, and I don’t use that word lightly, they’ve never had so many people in line,” Erren said. “Inflation is hurting people.”
Erren explained that Feeding Westchester conducted a community needs assessment, which surveyed over 600 clients, and two-thirds of respondents said that the food pantry they visit is their primary source of food.
“People still to this day don’t realize that there is need in our county,” Erren said, adding that her food bank was serving 130,000-150,000 people per month before the COVID-19 pandemic and is now serving over 200,000 people each month on average.
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