It is being called one of the most demanding years in decades.
According to the New York Times reports, shortages have forced food banks around the country to ration supplies, dip into emergency stores and in some cases, close.
Experts blame increased demand and a drop in the supply of excess farm products.
Directors said the shortage could have a major impact on the working poor.
Larry Reynolds, Second Harvest Food Bank, said, “It allows the people who aren’t able to take care of themselves to spend money on rent, medical bills, the things… Most people don’t understand a lot of the people we serve are the working poor. It’s not just the homeless. It’s people just like me and you who fall on bad times.”
The report did not give specific numbers for food banks in Tennessee but according to local directors, the need has increased in the Mid-State over the years.
Second Harvest provides tens of thousands of meals each year to children whose families struggle to provide three meals per day.
Jaynee Day, Second Harvest Food Bank, said, “Our mission is even more critical as hunger in American households has risen by 43% over the last five years. Tennessee ranks eleventh worst in food security in the United States and is nearing one million people living in poverty, including over 250,000 children.”
The local chapter of Second Harvest put canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and peanut butter at the top of its “Most Needed List”.
Want to help? Visit www.SecondHarvest.org .
