The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a substantial increase in the number of people seeking food assistance. With stimulus money from the federal government, the return to work and many getting new jobs, the demand slowed down.

However, just as many Americans have left the pandemic behind them, there have been a significant number of people who aren’t able to put food on the table and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is seeing an increase in clients. For example, in Lancaster County more than 28,000 individuals received service in the first six months of 2022 compared to 18,000 in the same period last year — a 56% increase.

During Monday’s Smart Talk, Joe Arthur, the executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, indicated higher prices for food is a major factor in more people seeking assistance. Inflation has also impacted what the Food Bank can purchase, but Arthur indicated an emergency fund was used to stock their shelves.

Arthur also said there’s a disparity in food insecurity rates among people of color. According to the Food Bank, Black and Hispanic individuals are experiencing food insecurity at triple the rate of whites.

Arthur encouraged those who need help to contact the Central Pennsylvanian Food Bank.

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