Over the past year, we’ve experienced an astonishing 112% increase in demand at the Oakland Food Pantry. Yes, you read that correctly. Four years after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the question remains: what is driving this significant rise?
Two years ago, we saw a surge in need following the reduction of SNAP benefits, but this past year, the impact has been compounded by other economic factors. The cost of living has skyrocketed, especially when it comes to groceries. In Pennsylvania, food prices have surged by an average of 8.2%. Consider the following: a gallon of milk now costs $4.56, a loaf of bread is priced at $3.21, eggs are nearing $4 a dozen, and chicken is approximately $5 per pound. Even for those who budget carefully, a week's worth of groceries for a family of four can easily surpass $100.
The result? Supplemental services, like food pantries, have become a lifeline for more individuals than ever before. Food insecurity is no longer confined to the unemployed, elderly, or disabled—it’s affecting a much broader spectrum of people, many of whom were self-sufficient just two years ago.
This growing need underscores the importance of community support during these challenging times, for this, I am so thankful for the work my team does every week at Community Human Services!
Our Food Pantry provided essential support to 5,873 unduplicated individuals this past fiscal year—a remarkable 112% increase from the previous year!
Operating just 10 hours a week, our dedicated team and incredible volunteers served up to 800 individuals and families, offering various nutritious options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishable items, dairy products, and meat or fish.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners, McAuley Ministries, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, UPMC Presbyterian, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, for their unwavering support in helping us assist our neighbors facing food insecurity.
Interested in supporting our Pantry? Consider attending our annual fundraiser, The Big Share, this fall. Tickets will go on sale this Monday!
Deputy Director of Philanthropy, UNICEF USA
7moOutstanding!!! How wonderful is this!