According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is double what it was at this time last year. Feeding America, the nation's top food bank is warning a food deficit may be coming. Feeding America, the nation's top food bank is warning a food deficit may be coming.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is clearing the way to deal with food insecurity in our area right now, and for the near future. "We're seeing people receiving their permanent layoffs now and we're concerned with hunger rising in our community," said Food Bank of Northern Nevada Director of Marketing Jocelyn Lantrip.
The food bank's parent organization, Feeding America, projects there are more than 388,000 food insecure people in Nevada and more than $207 million will be required to meet food needs over the year. "They do expect that we will be in the top 5 states for child hunger by the end of this year. So that is something that got our attention," said Lantrip.
Rising prices and unemployment issues related to the pandemic are some factors contributing to the need. The food bank says they've seen a 30% increase during the pandemic. "Those who we serve are the last to recover. They are the ones that are struggling the most," said Lantrip.
The increasing need is a major factor when it comes to the overall picture. but there's another issue as well, and that's supply. "One of things we've found during this pandemic is that it has affected the supply chain. So we need to plan more than we did before," said Lantrip.
The food bank says donations from the public and private companies are making a difference. "It's helping us prepare for a very long road to recovery," said Lantrip. One of the food bank's concerns is they don't know how long those contributions will keep coming.
To donate to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada you can text feed NV50155. A Feed NV drive-thru food drive, trick-or-treat edition, is planned for Thursday October 29, 2020 from 5 pm-7 pm at Idlewild Park. The food bank is asking for five cans or a $5 donation before trick-or-treating.
