Great Plains Food Bank facing increased demand as food donations decrease

(Fargo, ND) -- The Great Plains Food Bank is facing greater challenges meeting the growing demand for food.

"Things cost more and you know our clients are living paycheck to paycheck to begin with and now they are being asked to purchase, they're being asked to spend so much more to put gas in their vehicles and spend more at the grocery store," said Jared Linde, the food bank's Communications Manager.  

Linde says rising food prices and a decrease in the amount of food donated from grocery stores and food suppliers is putting the agency in a tough position. Linde says food prices in June were up 14% compared to the year prior. The food bank is now asking the community for monetary donations in addition to food donations. Their projected budget for purchasing food in the next fiscal year is $2.2 million, which is the highest in the agency's 39 year history. That budget comes entirely from donations. 

LINK: Greatplainsfoodbank.org