Food banks see more need as donations fall

…The CCO pantry normally hands out staples to 60 to 70 families a week. On just one recent Monday, 35 people came in looking for food.

Dianna Kessel, family support specialist at the Safety Harbor center, and Judy Mitchell, president of Church and Community Outreach, say it is a sign of the times in Florida. Even two-income families are stressed, and increasing numbers of clients at area food pantries mention that their homes are in foreclosure.


“Even those who are not losing their homes are hanging on by the skin of their teeth,” said Mitchell. “Florida is no longer a reasonable place to live.”

The high cost of gasoline is a major factor straining family budgets, Kessel said. Not only do those who can’t fuel their cars find it hard to get to work, but gasoline prices also have driven up food prices. Higher taxes and property insurance have impacted those who own homes, and also have led to rising apartment rents and higher prices for retail goods and services.

In addition to food, the RCS Food Pantry provides some rent and utility assistance. Because of higher rents and utility bills, RCS now runs out of assistance money mid-month.

St. Petersburg Times