Bay Area Food Banks Face Soaring Demand: Six months ago, life took a downturn for San Jose resident Tulei Logotaeao. She recounted losing her job as food prices surged, leading her to rely on Lords Pantry in East San Jose for most of her groceries each month.
“Life happens. We all need help,” she said as she put produce items into her cart Friday afternoon.
Experts said Logotaeao’s assessment is spot-on, noting an increase in demand for services at many Bay Area food banks and pantries from north to south.
“About a year ago, we were doing somewhere between 200-300 food boxes. Were now up to 300-500 food boxes a day,” said Maj. Daniel Freeman of the Salvation Army of Silicon Valley.
Stephanie Schaefer of Second Harvest Silicon Valley added, “We thought after the pandemic, that it would drop back down. But we found that it hasnt.”
Tanis Crosby of the San Francisco Marin Food Bank said that the COVID pandemic marked a transition from balancing needs to now falling behind slowly.
“Families are experiencing pressure on all sides. Increased inflation, just at the time all those pandemic-era supports are going away. And food banks arent immune to those pressures,” she said.
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Crosby mentioned an increase in customers from 32,000 a week to 50,000.
For some agencies, the strain has led to food shortages, requiring reliance on donations from other food banks and pantries to continue serving people.
Mary DeHart, director of Lords Pantry, said, “A lot of the food pantries here in the area, we connect and share with each other or help each other out.”
As the holiday season approached its climax, those addressing increasing needs emphasized that the larger community could make a difference through volunteering and donations.
“Our resources are always finite. And especially when were trying to get more food out, we have to be careful with our resources. And so we do have to make tough choices to make sure were getting the most bang for our buck,” said Schaefer.
Logotaeoa added, “The folks out here at the churches that donate, they help a lot.”
Our Reader’s Queries
What do food banks need most right now?
Food pantries and those in need can benefit greatly from certain items. These include applesauce, canned beans, chicken, fish (such as tuna and salmon), meat (like SPAM and ham), vegetables, cooking oils (such as olive and canola), and crackers. By donating these items, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those who rely on food pantries for their basic needs.
What food do food banks want the most?
Food banks require a variety of items to help those in need. Some of the most commonly needed items include peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned stew, canned fish, canned beans, and whole grain pasta. These items are essential for providing balanced and nutritious meals to those who may not have access to them otherwise. By donating these items, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those who are struggling to put food on the table.
What is the food insecurity in the Bay Area?
Food insecurity is a major issue in the Bay Area, affecting many counties. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the number of residents dealing with food insecurity has increased by 65%. Shockingly, over 870,000 people in the area are food insecure, which is actually more than the total population of San Francisco. This is a concerning problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
What percentage of Americans rely on food banks?
Around 43 million individuals in the United States, which is roughly 1 in 7 people, depend on food banks to meet their basic needs. This highlights the significant role that food pantries play in supporting those who are struggling to make ends meet.