Woodkirk Stone
“Over the past three months, we have seen a 50% increase in demand for our family food box program,” said the executive director of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Catholic Charities of West Tennessee works with the Mid-South Food Bank, giving food to those who need it most.
Both organizations say inflation is having a ripple effect on some Memphians’ food needs.
“Over the past three months, we have seen a 50% increase in demand for our family food box program,” said Kelley Henderson, executive director of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.
Henderson said their food supplies are shrinking, while the cost of maintaining food production is rising.
“A year ago, it cost us just under $10 to produce a family food box. It now costs over $16 to produce the same box,” Henderson said.
In a statement, Shari Douglass of the Mid-South Food Bank said: ‘Without some of the support we were receiving during COVID, our shelves are not as stocked as they were, but we are actively holding food drives. and buy to supplement some of what we no longer receive.“
Henderson said Memphians who want to help can start by organizing community food drives.
“If you buy one, get an opportunity, grab it and drop it off at your local food bank. You can do a personal food drive with your family just by using coupons and BOGOs,” he said.
For more information on donation and volunteer opportunities, visit the Mid-South Food Bank website www.midsouthfoodbank.org.
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