Pandemic continues to make food insecurity an issue in Southwest Florida

Hunger is casting its shadow over Southwest Florida.

For the past two years since the pandemic hit, the need in our community continues to increase.

Every time a mobile food bank sets up shop in Golden Gate, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, there is a line of cars.

“The lines are getting longer and longer because people are needing more and more and more,” said Lynn Michel, of Golden Gate. “It’s a struggle. It’s big, big struggle, especially finding work. It’s hard feeding everyone.”

Michel said without the Harry Chapin Food Bank, she would not be able to feed her children.

The pandemic first shined the light on the hunger problem and then made it worse.

Laura Mora said she waited in line for almost an hour.

“I feel blessed, I feel really good, grateful,” Mora said.

Harry Chapin hands out boxes of food. Inside, there are non-perishable items, produce and meat.

“A lot of people are worried about what they’re going to have for dinner. But the people we are seeing here are worried about if they’re going to have something for dinner,” said Ryan Uhler, marketing and communications director for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Because of the food, families who take these boxes home can pay for other bills like rent.

Donate here and join us as we March to a Million Meals.