Demand For Food Banks Spikes As Inflation Rises In Key States

Food banks in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin are seeing a significant increase in demand, with officials reporting levels of need not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soaring costs of essentials have left many families struggling to cover basic needs, driving them to food banks for help.

Joe Arthur, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Executive Director, said demand for food has grown over 50% since 2021. “It’s a hunger crisis,” he stated, adding that the need has reached levels last seen during the pandemic, though resources are less available today.

This demand is being felt in various areas, from rural Michigan to Wisconsin’s suburbs, where food bank officials are serving families that have never sought assistance before. Feeding America West Michigan president Ken Estelle shared that demand has “pressed us beyond our capacity.” He added, “We have never seen this level of need in the 43 years we have been serving this community.”

Rising inflation has driven up grocery prices by 21.6%, electricity by 28% and rent by 23% since 2021, according to recent reports. With budgets stretched thin, many families have been left with little money for essentials by the month’s end.

Former President Donald Trump has blamed the current administration for these rising prices, contrasting today’s costs with those under his administration. An RMG Research poll found that 57% of registered voters feel financially worse off today than they did four years ago.

Officials caution that without additional resources, food banks may not be able to meet growing demand, which could worsen food insecurity across these critical states.