Local food banks see increase in people visiting

“We know that it's hard to ask for help, if it's the first time. I try to reassure people, that's exactly why we're here."
Local Food Bank Status

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Due to the high cost of living today, local food banks say they’ve seen an increase in people looking for help. 

As prices have increased, we have a lot of food that we get from government sources, and that has changed as federal allocations of the money for food assistance had been changed. So, were seeing less food coming in from that source, said President and CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Kathy McCollum. 

She shared what she feels is the main reason for the increase in people coming in for food.

A lot of people who are working and having trouble making ends meet,” she said. “Folks who are working in lower cost jobs; with the cost of housing, cost of childcare, and the cost of food, it’s just more than there able to handle on a daily basis.  

McCollum has this message for those who are too ashamed to ask for help.

We know that it’s hard to ask for help, if it’s the first time. I try to reassure people, that’s exactly why we’re here. We want to make sure that our neighbors have enough to eat so they have good healthy lifestyles. You can’t do that without good nutrition food”, said McCollum.  

Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes in Macon, Janet Wright, says they’ve also seen a number of people come in needing food, and they’re doing the best they can to meet that demand. 

“Now that school is out, we see families with their children online for food and lunch, there bring their children as well, said Wright. 

She says they welcome all people who need a meal. 

 

Categories: Bibb County, Featured, Local News