Food Bank Shortage

I read a interesting story in Tuesday's Washington Post detailing the current state of some of this area's and the nations' food banks. According to the article the recent economic conditions has caused many families to turn to charities for food supplies.

Across the nation food assistance request are up 30 percent. In the DC area The Arlington Food Assistance Center that served 710 families last year has already served 868 so far this year. Rising fuel cost coupled with rising electricity cost has had a big impact on the level of service food banks can deliver to those in need. "Capital Area Food Bank which helps supply more than 700 member agencies in the DC region, has seen the groups annual electricity cost rise 35 percent, to $135,000 from $100,00 in five years."

The ongoing housing slump has also increased the need for food banks as construction and real estate workers turn to them for assistance. Another reason for the increase need in food banks is because of the small amount of assistance that is supplied by the food stamps program. " A person who gets $669 a month in Social Security qualifies for only $10 a month in food stamps'

What can we do? Visit your local food bank, donate food or your time.

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