The River Bend Food Bank reports rising fuel and food costs are contributing to growing demand in the 23-county area it serves.
River Bend’s most recent data shows states food insecurity for households in its service area averages at 13%, a 4-year high.
Vice President of Philanthropy Jenny Colvin says economic inflation over the past few years has significantly impacted operations, with the organization purchasing more food now than ever before.
“And that's really a result of how things in the whole world, but also as food banking changed during COVID,” Colvin said. “Before COVID we relied on a lot more donated products, and with the changes in manufacturing and the changes in how our manufacturers operate, we're seeing a lot less food donations now, which causes us to have to purchase that much more.”
Colvin says the changes in SNAP benefits back in May have yet to be shown in data.
“So this is going to be one of those trickle-down things that over the next coming months we, we will start to see that in more, more detail. But I would say for now it's remained steady, but it is at a 4-year high,” Colvin said.
Colvin says financial donations from area residents help the food bank buy in bulk for less. They are also accepting food donations.
“Shelf-stable proteins, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, culturally familiar foods are really, really useful,” Colvin said.
Colvin notes that last fiscal year over 1,300 volunteers contributed to the food bank.
“They help sort and pack food. They support distributions,” Colvin said. “And a lot of them participate through workplace, school, or their community groups. So, you know, donating time, donating their treasure, and then just advocating and talking to people about the work that River Bend does are really the biggest ways that they can help support our mission.”
The food bank has distributed 17 million meals in its last fiscal year through a network of 400 hunger-relief partners including pantries, schools and meal sites.
Colvin shared data for fiscal year 2026: “The NorthPark and SouthPark Mall Pantries served a combined 8,633 unique households (families) and 17,365 unique individuals, with a total of 58,780 visits. More broadly, based on all hunger relief partners reporting, in FY26, our network estimates approximately 664,634 visits were made. Among partners reporting monthly unduplicated statistics, agencies reported serving an estimated 18,065 households (families) and 38,420 individuals.”
The Associated Press reports this week that grocery prices have risen more than 33% since 2019 with no sign of dropping. In the 7 1/2 years before that, prices rose 6.4%.
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