02/14/2022

Inflation Hits Food Banks at Time of Need

It soared to an annual rate of 7.5 percent in January

Food banks are purchasing less food because of inflation, despite seeing increased need after the expiration of the child tax credit and rising costs for food, gas and shelter.

Persistent supply shortages, shipping delays and higher prices are making it difficult for food banks to keep their shelves stocked, mirroring the trend in grocery stores. But the problem comes at a particularly difficult time for families, as inflation soared to an annual rate of 7.5 percent in January.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks, which purchases food in bulk for Ohio food pantries, has seen an 18.4 percent increase in the cost of food in the last six months, leading the association to purchase less food. Donations from individuals, corporations and other entities are declining or flat, while federal commodities have not made up for the losses, the association said.

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