Season of Sharing helps Bay Area food banks seeing unprecedented need as costs soar
The economy and job creation are bouncing back in the wake of the pandemic, but the Bay Area’s need for food is as high as ever, as soaring inflation and gas prices put pressure on people’s budgets — and also strain the food banks themselves, some of which are experiencing a dropoff in donations.
After seeing unprecendented demand during the first two years of the pandemic, Bay Area food banks are still struggling with a heavy need from low-income residents and those who are out of work. That’s despite the COVID case and death rates falling and many businesses are reopening and rehiring workers.
“Today, it feels like the need is just as high” compared to the worst periods of the pandemic, said Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “It doesn’t feel like it’s getting any better.”
The Oakland organization estimates that one in four Alameda County residents are now experiencing food insecurity, up from one in five before the pandemic.
“So many families and individuals, even if they might be back at work, (are) still really struggling,” said Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, which operates throughout Silicon Valley. “Our community is so fragile right now.”
Workers move vegetable pallets through the warehouse at the Alameda County Food Bank, which has had to shift the food items it buys, focusing on lower-cost items that can be purchased in higher quantities.
Jessica Christian / The ChronicleIn September, Second Harvest served 460,000 people, 80%