Local food banks are struggling under current conditions

Food banks around the country are struggling after federal cuts that took place last year. Seemingly endless inflation isn't helping matters for those having trouble making ends meet. Second Harvest Food Bank helps to serve the underfed in the greater New Orleans and their Chief Impact Officer Lindsay Hendrix says they need local help now more than ever.

September is "Hunger Action Month" for Second Harvest Food Bank, putting a specific emphasis on the underfed in the state of Louisiana. Hendrix emphasizes that many of the most vulnerable are children. "Nearly 482,000 in south Louisiana are facing food insecurity. That includes one in four children," notes Hendrix.

---

"There has been a really dramatic increase in need. One in five neighbors and One in four children are facing decreases in benefits at the federal level. We're hearing it from our partner networks as well telling us they don't have enough food. The dollar just doesn't go as far as it used to and we have to be really smart with our dollars," Hendrix goes on to explain. She says inflation is impacting not only how far their donation dollars can go, but how much people feel comfortable donating in these cash-strapped times as well.

Many of the kitchen basics that have long been taken for granted are in greater demand than ever according to Hendrix. "What we hear from our neighbors is that the items they need most are the things that are the most expensive. That's proteins and produce," she notes. Those pains are being felt by average working Americans and are compounded for those who cannot make ends meet.

Hendrix does welcome volunteers who would like to help in other ways if they cannot do so financially. She says they are very understanding about the tight financial situation many find themselves in and could use hands-on volunteers just as much as cash donations.