I stood in the supermarket where the milk and eggs converged. I waited as a fellow shopper grabbed a carton of eggs and sighed in disgust. Then, I overheard what we were all thinking to ourselves.
“The price of eggs is what?!”
Everyone in the vicinity turned to see a woman holding her hands in disbelief. She was staring at the shelf of eggs. Each carton was priced at $4.79 or more.
Inflation and supply chain disruptions dominated economic news headlines in 2022. Now, in the New Year, sky-high prices on groceries like meat, dairy, cereal, and other essential food items appear to be the norm.
Another thing that hasn’t let up is the number of families who turn to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and its network of nonprofit feeding partners to keep food on the table. Last year, more than 81,000 individuals used Second Harvest’s online Food Finder tool to locate emergency food assistance. In 2021, that number was just shy of 60,000 – a 36% increase year over year.
“The need is greater now than ever,” explains Kelsey Gonzalez, executive director at Lake Cares, a Second Harvest feeding partner in Mount Dora. “We’ve been through a lot in the last few years: a pandemic, two hurricanes and inflation. No one can go to the store anymore and just grab eggs off the shelf without thinking twice about the price.”
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The need is greater now than ever”
Because of a kind and caring community, Second Harvest Food Bank and its 625 feeding partners provide nutritious food and a sense of relief to neighbors navigating anxiety-riddled financial obligations like rent, medicine, transportation, and food. At food pantries and meal programs across seven Central Florida counties, kids, families, and seniors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, meat, and staple items to make meals for themselves and their families.
While Second Harvest can’t wave a magic wand to reduce the sticker shock at the supermarket, the Food Bank can provide a sense of hope that tomorrow will be a little bit brighter.
Here are some ways you can help fight hunger and feed hope in 2023:
- Volunteer. Volunteer opportunities offer fun and unique ways for individuals and groups to contribute their time, talents and resources in the fight against hunger.
- Take a Food for Thought Tour. During a one-hour information session, you will learn about who is experiencing hunger in Central Florida and then take a food bank tour.
- Attend the Ultimate Garden Party. The special event features entertainment, silent and live auctions, games, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and libations on May 20, 2023.
No matter how you choose to get involved this year, every action creates a ripple of hope across our community.
