(Undated)– From supply-chain issues to rising food costs, local food shelves are navigating a sea of obstacles in gathering enough supplies for those needing help. Iowa locations say in order to meet the nutritional needs of clients, the public could help in a variety of ways. The Food Bank of Siouxland, which covers several counties in northwest Iowa, says demand has picked up again after leveling off earlier this year. Executive Director Jake Wanderscheid says it comes at a time when on the purchasing side, it hasn’t been easy to stock the shelves with certain items…
And when they to have success in finding products, the cost is 10 to 20 percent higher. The organization says the public can help by donating financially, providing more flexibility in targeting missing items. The American Heart Association says if underserved communities don’t have access to nutrition, residents are at greater risk for obesity, heart disease and poor health.
Donors are being asked to call to see what local food shelves need. Volunteer work is also encouraged to help sort donations that come in. As households struggle with higher grocery bills, food shelves anticipate more need, especially with the holiday season taking shape. Food pantry operators say they’ve had to be more mindful with their budget amid the rising costs, creating more dilemmas in meeting the need this time of year.
(Courtesy Iowa News Service)
