Food AssistanceThursday, November 12
Second Harvest expects a 12-year high in demand for food help before Thanksgiving
The Daily Youngstown team
If you're planning to donate this season, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley says it expects a 12-year high in demand before Thanksgiving. Demand in September was up 5% from a year earlier, and this month and next are "the two busiest months of the year," Executive Director Renee Fuller said.
Second Harvest's demand and costs are climbing
- 5%
- rise in demand in September from a year earlier
- 12-year high
- in demand expected before Thanksgiving
- 80
- Thanksgiving meals from Fairhaven School for Niles families
- nearly double
- what the food bank is paying for fuel
Fuller points to the cost of gas, utilities, rent and medication, plus confusion over SNAP changes. "They're calling, and they're scared," she said. Local farmers are cutting crop sizes and grocery store closures limit donations.
- Most-needed items: cereal, canned veggies, canned fruit, tuna, peanut butter
- Feed Our Valley: WFMJ's 20th annual campaign is underway
- Pantries: some now return multiple times a week
$1gives up to five meals at Second Harvest
A dollar goes far at the food bank.
Source: WKBN.com
If you need help, make the call. "Please don't ever be embarrassed or scared to call and ask. It's a quick phone call and hopefully a quick solution for you," Fuller said.