Food banks play an important role in making sure that families don’t go hungry. They are also working to keep up with both ongoing demand and high costs to meet that demand. In February 2022, about 85 percent of all Feeding America food banks said demand for food increased or continued compared to the previous month. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s onsite emergency food service gave food to nearly twice as many people in May than January 2022.
Groceries are too expensive for many people. Rising prices are causing more families to turn to food banks. While food banks are working hard to serve the growing number of families in need, high prices make meeting the need harder.
Food banks are paying about 40 percent more to purchase food than they did in 2021. Food banks and families are also paying more for gas, transportation and utilities. At the same time, 55 percent of Feeding America food banks have recently said that food donations are down. Government support is needed to make sure food banks can continue to help our neighbors in need.
“Right now, the food bank and the people we serve are facing the same challenges: higher food prices and inflation across the board. You can help by advocating to our elected officials and urge them to make further investments in food banks.” – Adam Morgan, Advocacy Coordinator
Our elected officials must focus on policies that will help make sure kids and families across the country have enough food to thrive. Support from all levels of government can help food banks keep their shelves stocked for every person who needs help.
You can help make sure our elected officials push for policies that help food banks and people in need, today.
Ways to Get Involved
State Government
Help us tell our state lawmakers to invest in programs that support people needing help with food. The State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) are important programs that help make sure all our neighbors have enough to eat. Email your State Representative and Senator here to urge them to provide enough funding to these
programs to support our neighbors. You can also find your State Representative and Senator here, including their office contact information.
Federal Government
Most federal programs that give support with food are approved through the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill must be passed by Congress every five years. The next Farm Bill is up for a vote in 2023. Join our and Feeding America’s efforts in planning and asking for enough funding for food assistance in the next Farm Bill. Over the next 18 months, we will be holding listening sessions, focus groups and general outreach about the Farm Bill and federal food assistance. Email [email protected] to learn more and get involved!