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Food prices are rising and increasing demand in local pantries.
AUSTIN, Texas – We have been in the coronavirus pandemic for over a year and a half, and pantry demand is now higher than it was when the pandemic started.
Saint Vincent de Paul pantry is open every Saturday and they try to feed as many people as possible.
“People on the street, people off the street, low-income families, people who just need food,” said Michael Tullius, customer service coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul.
They currently look after around 250 families.
“Well, our numbers have doubled since the beginning of COVID, and about the last month they’ve only increased a little,” Tullius said.
Last week they had about 25 more people than the week before, and this week they were expecting even more.
“I know there is a food shortage, even people who cannot bring food to grocery stores,” he added. “Since then, a little more people have come in.”
He says that now that the school is, food prices are going up. It’s no surprise the pantry is full.
Volunteer Gavin Ross said the pantry is getting less and less fresh meat and products because the prices of those foods have risen.
“So we’re going to run out of things like produce, meat or milk or eggs,” said Ross. “Then we just stick to distributing canned food and the like.”
But canned food isn’t everyone’s favorite. However, the high demand and rising prices leave them no other choice.
“I think everyone would rather have fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, frozen meat than canned food,” added Tullius. “But you know, and there is a shortage, you just have to give what you get.”
The holidays are just around the corner and that doesn’t make things any better for those who are already having a hard time.
“People’s budgets are tight in November, December and January, so there will likely be a lot more people in those months,” he said.
In the meantime, the line at this and other pantries is not getting any shorter anytime soon.
If you’re looking for a way to help, visit the Pantry’s website.
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https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/demand-food-pantries-higher-pandemic-started/269-bdb3edae-74bc-4985-babf-6a4aa9633920
