LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — "This might be a family of four, maybe four to six," said The Salvation Army Scranton Captain Corps Officer Kirsten Child.
It is one of the busiest times of the year for organizations like the Salvation Army.
At its main food storage location in Scranton, Childs says the number of families they support has only grown due to inflation.
"This past year we've seen 500 new households," said Childs. "In total we've served about 3,000 households in the last year."
While rising grocery prices can be seen throughout the country, it is most prolific in Pennsylvania according to a Consumer Affairs report.
As of mid-November, the report shows the Keystone state has seen the largest increase in prices for grocery items year over year.
A trend that Childs says has affected their supply.
"We've seen some donations dwindle especially like milk and eggs and things like that, said Childs. "We are still receiving donations, but not as much as we have in the past and so when people are struggling themselves, it's hard to give back to the community."
Pennsylvania's 12-month grocery price increase rate sits at 8.2 percent, a one-point two percent lead over Vermont and Maryland and five percent more than Colorado which had the lowest increase of just 2.9 percent.
"Well, my hope is that it does get better…but I have to be realistic too sometimes, and it may be a while before we get back to where things were," said Childs.
With no way of knowing the future of the state's inflation, Childs says there are measures you can take to help out on costs.
"Being careful with our funds," said Childs. "Budgeting, I think a budgeting, is huge for a household, and just being cautious."