Inflation affecting major parts of Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri’s operation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -

The rising cost of food and gas are putting a greater strain on the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports double-digit consumer price index increases for food and fuel during the past 12 months.

Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri spokesperson Katie Adkins said these increases affect two main functions of the charity: Buying food, and delivering it to people in its 32-county region.

"We are spending three times as much on food as we were pre-pandemic," Adkins said.

Adkins said the increase in price on things like rent and utilities have cut into people's personal food budgets. Availability issues on items like canned meat and peanut butter have also made it difficult for the food bank to fill in those needed items it delivers.

"The food budget is the first thing that changes," Adkins said. "It can cause people to miss meals, not be able to purchase as much or not be able to purchase the healthy things people might want access to."

Adkins said cash donations help the food bank offer a greater variety of items in its packs. The food bank can buy fresh produce or perishable items like milk and cheese to help make the meals offered more balanced.

Adkins said a $270 donation could help provide packs of food for a school-aged child every weekend during the school year.