High cost of food, high heat and inflation concern food pantries this summer

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – As we head into the summer months, it typically means increased childcare and food costs, as well as higher utility bills.

However this year, with inflation, the Brazos Valley Food Bank is bracing for a possibly very challenging time.

“I’m pretty worried about this summer. I don’t always say that, I always say summer is going to be a challenge, but I think I’m really worried about this summer,” said Theresa Mangapora, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

She says inflation has hit hard, and that food costs feel high to everyone, not just those who are facing hunger.

“So you know there are people that are going without things, and there are people who are going without things they really love,” said Mangapora.

She says during the pandemic, the government gave aid to food banks and people, but that aid went down after the pandemic. SNAP benefits went back to normal, there were no more stimulus checks, and then inflation hit, add higher summer costs and the food bank is in a tough spot.

Susie Tommaney, Pantry Coodinator with Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas says as the pandemic subsided, so have certain supplemental benefits for those who receive SNAP.

“We also have clients who have now lost access to Medicaid. All of these changes affect how a family spends their money, often being placed in the difficult decision of choosing between medicine, electricity or food. Our food pantry brings fresh and nutritious food to a region that would otherwise be considered a food desert,” said Tommaney.

Mangapora says some of their partner pantries are worried they could run out of food.

“A lot of them are saying people we haven’t seen in a few years are back again. It is just because those folks get stabilized, then something like this hits them again and it’s just, something has to give.”

Caldwell Christian Care told KBTX they’ve doubled the number of households served over the last year, averaging about 180 per month, exceeding 200 at times. But they say they are fortunate the community is supportive and generous.

Lisa Wamsley with SonShine Outreach Center is Madison County says their biggest struggle is sourcing food for their pantry.

“While BVFB is perhaps our biggest source for food, we are having to purchase more and more as their availability is lessened. We are unable to buy in bulk from any grocery stores so we are having to shop off store shelves to stock our pantry with staples such as jelly, mac and cheese, ravioli, chili, canned meats, soups, flour, sugar and cooking oil. The number of clients we are serving monthly has almost doubled since May 2023. While we have a budget of $40,000 for 2024 we will probably spend more than that at BVFB alone this year. We also have 16 member churches who collect food on a regular basis too and still we have to purchase,” said Wamsley.

Tommaney says Bridge Ministry is grateful for the opportunity to purchase food from the Brazos Valley Food Bank. They, in turn, use their purchasing power, relationships with food providers, and USDA funding to source low-cost foods.

She says that’s why the Summer Hunger Food Drive is so important.

“It is through food drives like this that we are able to access a wider variety of foods. We are always surprised and excited to see what types of nonperishable foods come in through these drives. From ramen noodles to Ro-Tel, and from canned chili to tuna pouches or individual serving sizes of cereal, all of these food items bring variety to the supper table. Now that children are home from school, it can be a challenge for a parent to place food on the table that children are interested in eating, and this food drive helps make that all possible,” said Tommaney.

Mangapora suggests going to your pantry donating one of what you have 10 of, or buy something basic like rice or pasta and then something special. She suggests coffee, or water-only cake mix and some icing, so someone can still enjoy a birthday.

KBTX and the Brazos Valley Food Bank have partnered together for the Summer Hunger Food Drive to help address the growing need of hunger during the summer months in our communities.

You can drop off food or monetary donations at one of five locations across the Bryan-College Station during the month of June to help our neighbors. For more information, or to donate click here.

The five drop-off locations are below.

George’s Paint & Body at 200 E 32nd St, Bryan, TX 77803Paradowski Law at 1604 Copperfield Pkwy STE 100, College Station, TX 77845Producer’s Cooperative at 1800 N Texas Ave #1831, Bryan, TX 77803Aggieland Outfitters at 303 University Dr E, College Station, TX 77840Douglass Auto Group at 3100 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan, TX 77802