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Many families across the country are turning to food banks as groceries and other bills become more expensive.
But as these food banks work to meet this demand, some facilities are also feeling the pinch of increased food expenses.
Feeding the USA operates approximately 200 meal banks nationwide. The company first noted that supply chain concerns impacted its inventory, and now it's excessive inflation.
US food industry professionals say that the same high expenses we see in the food market are affecting them as well.
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“We should be buying more food because we are receiving fewer donated meals, and then we see more people coming to us to support us because of the excessive prices of meals,” noted Zuani Villarreal, senior director of communications at Feeding the United States.
In a contemporary survey, Feeding the US says that approximately 80% of meal banks are reporting the same level of demand or an increase compared to the previous month.
But Villarreal noted that one issue that hasn't changed is the factors driving demand.
“The studies we’ve heard show a lot of trade-offs, a lot of despair and a lot of frustration,” Villarreal stated. “Many families pay one bill a month, stretch out different expenses along the way to still have money left over for meals, and it’s just that game of paying this bill this month, then recovering from it next month.”
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As high inflation continues, the US workforce tells me they need the federal government to establish easier methods for reducing food waste.
“There are billions and billions of kilograms of meals that are wasted every year. If we had the will, if we had the commitments and the infrastructure nearby, we could rescue those meals,” Villarreal noted.
This issue also requires intelligence from the Biden administration because the White apartment building is preparing to host a summit on hunger, food, and fitness later this month.
The story continues
Feeding the USA says September is Hunger Awareness Month and is encouraging Americans who are able to donate food or their time.
