By Libby Campbell
CEO of the West Texas Food Bank
When was the last time any of us went shopping and volunteered to spend 20% more? What does that really mean, 20% more? If on average you spend $120.00 at the grocery store, an extra 20% would be an additional $24.00, so now your bill is $144.00, if you do this each week for a month, that’s an extra $96.00 a month. That’s an extra $1,152.00 a year. But that is just on groceries, this increase is ranging from 3% to 20% on everything we buy for our families.
According to our friends at United Supermarkets the increase is being seen across our everyday shopping list for the very staples almost all of us keep in our cupboards and refrigerators. Pork is up 14%, beef is up 20%, and even fresh fruits and vegetables are up 3%. Want to refill the soda fridge? That’ll be 4.5% more too! Your West Texas Food Bank food costs are up 18% and are rising with every load being delivered. Then the cost to move those commodities to the 19 counties we serve is up 12% and that cost continues to inch up also.
We have always said for years we are the Sam’s or Costco to our 140 plus partner agencies to stock their shelves. Our core mission of our work is to ensure our partners have everything they need to reach even the most rural communities and clients. We are seeing the same budget crunches the average household is facing, on food, fuel and utilities, but on a much larger scale.
I want to thank you for your support and the prayers, time, and treasure you have given to the West Texas Food Bank over this past year. You’ve made it possible for us to distribute almost 13 million pounds of food to our neighbors, and as we stare down the barrel of another year of oncoming struggles I don’t have the knot of worry in my stomach because I have faith in the generosity of our community, and people like you, who will always help those who struggle to put food on their tables, and for this I am eternally grateful.
I wish everyone a safe and warm holiday season and the happiest New Year! Please remember those who are less fortunate and the fact that you continue to support our work to keep bellies full and providing hope.
