Food banks and pantries continue to see growing need in Charlottesville area

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Since SNAP benefits have new, post-pandemic requirements, many people who once qualified now don’t.

That means food banks and pantries around the NBC29-viewing area are seeing more need.

“We have 159 new families who have come to us for the first time since last March,” Gwen Goodkin with the Emergency Food Network said Monday, September 4.

EFN says it serves 30 households three times a week.

“We are hitting our limit more often than ever before,” Goodkin said.

“The need is increasing, there’s no question about that. We saw a significant increase: We’re up to 127,500 people per month being served through the Blue Ridge area,” Les Sinclair with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank said.

Sinclair says they’re getting fewer donations, causing BRAFB to go millions of dollars over budget to buy more food.

Despite this, he says families shouldn’t worry if they need help.

“We’re able to meet that demand, but we are definitely seeing a greater need with inflation and the reduction in SNAP benefits and Medicaid reintroductions, and stuff like that,” Sinclair said. “We know that people will help us meet the need, and it is important for folks to know that if they have a need, they should reach out to a partner pantry.”

RELATED:

• SNAP benefits not able to cover full cost of meal, report
• Virginia Department of Social Services offering replacement SNAP benefits starting July 17
• Food pantries seeing increase in demand after end of emergency SNAP benefits
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry seeing higher demand as emergency SNAP benefits end
• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank sees decrease in food donations after holidays
• BRAFB seeing more seeking assistance from food banks as inflation rises
• BRAFB: 1-in-3 people who rely on the food bank are fully employed
• Community involvement making a difference with BRAFB, donations still needed
• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank preparing for a surge in clients
• Loaves & Fishes says donations are needed year round, not just at the holidays
• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank prepares for high demand in coming months
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry requesting donations

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