Since the war with Iran began and gas prices started to rise, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada says they've spent more than $16,000 on fuel.
That's impacting their budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
They haven't had to scale back operations, and they don't expect to, unless something drastic happens. However, the ripple effect of gas prices is noticeable when it comes to level of need.
"Rising gas prices are making [those in need] have tighter budgets, which means more food insecurity, people needing help," said Jocelyn Lantrip, Director of Marketing for the food bank. "It affects the cost of food. So, since we truck all our food around in our in this country, food prices are higher."
The food bank just wrapped up its letter carrier drive, and while it brought in about 97,000 pounds of food, its markedly lower than what was gathered last year. The food bank thinks gas prices and tighter budgets had a part to play in that.
Another impact they're seeing is volunteer numbers.
"We have had some volunteers drop off because of gas prices or the commute out," said Lantrip. "It's also summer, so volunteers drop off for us anyway."
Anyone looking for resources to put food on the table, or volunteer can follow this link: Food Bank of Northern Nevada – Healthy Food. Every Person. Every Day.
