LOUISVILLE, Ky. — While the demand for food is at an all-time high this holiday season, Dare to Care President Vincent James said local food banks are struggling to keep up.
James said it's the most significant challenge they've seen, more so than what they saw during the pandemic. He said this is a symptom of a larger issue in our country.
According to the USDA, food insecurity has jumped dramatically, up more than 30% since the Great Recession.
"You have this perfect storm that has been created when you have inflation in gas prices, as well as in food prices, and then you have less government benefits," he said. "People are really struggling now, and we're figuring out ways ourselves in terms of how we meet this demand."
Typically, Dare to Care is sustained by donations from the government and retailers. But recently, James said they've been forced to purchase the most food in the organization's history.
"To address the demand so that quite naturally, we also experience the same challenges as our neighbors are experiencing because it's costing us more resources with freight, and gas as well," he said. "So it's a challenging, real difficult time, but we're making the best and we're going to make it happen."
The organization believes resources will last through the season. However, if the government shuts down in January, or sees another food shortage, James says they'll need the community's help.
You can support Dare To Care by donating to the food bank, advocating for more assistance programs and most importantly, checking on your neighbor.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help, click here.
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