Liz Dierolf, Director of Marketing and Communications, says everyone is affected by increased food prices. And visits to the food bank's North Park and South Park mall pantries are up 60% compared to last fall and winter.
At the same time, donations from food companies and grocery stores have dropped. That's because of changes in consumer habits and continuing supply chain problems. So River Bend is being forced to spend about 20% more money to supply its pantries.
Delivering food to all its partner agencies, pantries, and meal sites also costs more money. Dierolf says that's due to high gas prices. For every dollar donated, the food bank can provide five meals to those who need them.
The Davenport-based River Bend Foodbank supplies more than 300 food pantries, meal sites, and soup kitchens in 23 Illinois and Iowa counties.
Donations can be made at the River Bend Food Bank's website.