Rising fuel prices affect food banks

With the economic downturn causing rising food and fuel prices, Jason Clark, director of Second Harvest, said he heard through a recent survey of agencies that they are seeing more clients.

Thirty of 300 agencies responded to the query about the impact of rising prices.

Adding to adjustments from the recent closure of St. Vincent de Paul are difficulties finding commercial food donations and the 77 percent drop in federal commodities since 2006, he said.

“For those concerned about the hungry, there is always need for food and cash donations,” Jason suggested.

Cash not only helps resupply food stock but also helps fund the cost of fuel Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest needs to spend for diesel fuel and freight to deliver the food.

“We are now spending $4,100 a month for fuel, in contrast with about $2,500 a month three years ago,” Jason reported.

“While food drives are about at the same level as last year, that’s 900,000 pounds of food,” he noted.  “Food drives are a major source of high quality food, a huge help in the foundation of shelf-stable food supplies.”

The positive note is that spring and summer are the area’s growing season when Second Harvest receives many fresh vegetables and fruits.

For information, call 534-6678.

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