Food bank feeling strain as school lets out for summer

Food bank leaders say rising costs and the loss of school meals during summer break are increasing demand across the region.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Schools are out, gas prices are rising and food banks are feeling the pressure.

Kathy McCollum, the CEO and President of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, says food banks are typically in high demand during the summer, and her food bank has been experiencing some food supply challenges.  

“We’ve certainly seen food supply challenges over the past few months,” she said. “Thankfully, our communities have stepped up and gave us financial resources that we could use to purchase food last fall. And we’ve been able to use that money into the spring, but as the summer comes, we are seeing that the food supply is still constrained. So, we still need those funds to be able to keep purchasing food, because every day food goes out of here.”

McCollum says rising transportation and fuel costs impact daily distribution operations.  

“Everybody’s budget is stretched,” shes aid. “As fuel prices go up, housing is expensive as well. Every time we go to the grocery store, we see higher prices. So, we know that that makes a huge difference for everybody, but particularly for those that have a tough time making ends meet to start with.”

She explained why food banks see an increase in demand during the summer. 

“We know a lot of those students rely on free breakfast and lunches at school,” she said. “And of course, when they’re not going to school during the summertime, that means families have to afford more food to keep their children healthy during the summer.”

McCollum shared how you can receive help if you need it. 

“Right in the middle of our home page is a button that says find a food pantry,” she said. “From there, somebody can search down to a county level, city name. There’s a map that will help you find a food pantry that is close to you, with the hours of operation, phone numbers. Everything you need to be able to reach out to those resources that are there year-round for those families that may have a tougher time during the summer.”

If you need help or know of someone that needs help, you can visit the Middle Georgia Community food bank website at mgcfb.org.