News
March 23, 2022Impact of Inflation on Food
Currently, inflation stands at 7.9% – higher than we have seen in the recent past. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is responding to the surge in demand for our services due to rising grocery and fuel costs, all while acclimating to supply chain issues and rising costs that are affecting our operations.
Charitable organizations experience some of the same financial pressures faced by individuals and families. In 2021, the Food Bank’s fleet of trucks traveled 471,000 miles across 23-counties of New York State, an area that encompasses 41% of New York’s landmass. The Food Bank distributed more than 51 million pounds of food and grocery products last year, the equivalent of 42 million meals. At the same time, supply chain issues, rising grocery costs, and increased need forced the Food Bank to get creative with product sourcing and distribution.
We have been spending at least 15% more than last year to obtain a high quality, nutritious mix of food, sourcing alternative foods when our staples are unavailable. At the same time, we’ve had to spend more to distribute that food – fuel expenditures alone have increased $5,000 per month more than last year at this time.
Your support is more critical than ever. As we navigate through this challenging time, thousands of people are turning to the Food Bank for food assistance – some for the very first time in their lives. We are committed to serving them. Please help us keep meals on the table, provide food for children’s backpacks, and continue delivering groceries to senior citizens by making a donation today. Every $1 can provide enough food for up to 4 meals.
Thank you. We are so grateful for your support.
Molly Nicol
Chief Executive Officer
PS- We understand times are tough right now. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please visit our website and click on FIND FOOD.
