SWFL food pantries continue to see high demand

Even though Hurricane Isaias isn’t coming our way, many people are still filling up their pantries, but what about those already having trouble putting food on the table because of the pandemic?

The Harry Chapin Food Bank said they’ve been spending $1 million on food every month because of the pandemic, and they believe the high demand isn’t going away anytime soon.

“We are experiencing extraordinary need at the food bank and consequently, we’re running about double or more on normal levels from last year. That means we need lots of support. We need food donations, we need monetary donations even more,” said Richard LaBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank.

The organization also said they’ve seen about 6,300 families coming out every week to their mobile pantries and that the lines of cars every morning show the hardship many across Southwest Florida are experiencing.

They aren’t the only ones who have noticed this. Community Cooperative has also been hosting food pantries and said the need continues every week.

“Honestly, by now we really anticipated to see the demand decreasing. But we’ve seen a steady incline and I don’t foresee that decreasing at all anytime soon,” said Stephanie Edwards with Community Cooperative.