WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Food banks in the United States are preparing for an increase in food insecurity over the next few weeks. According to Feeding America, food banks across the country reported a significant increase in demand during the holiday season last year, with some experiencing a 60 percent increase in requests for assistance.
"Here at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, we always circle the holiday season. People do reach out more around the holidays," said Joe Arthur, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank executive director.
Arthur says food insecurity is higher than ever, and that's not even including the expected holiday season demand.
"We actually surpassed the amount of pounds of food and visits to our pantries versus 2021, the height of the pandemic. We actually are at a new peak."
On average, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has provided five million pounds of food every month this year. But that average is expected to increase across November and December. The food bank has been working with farms and grocers for months to get ready for the holidays.
"We are working in advance to make sure that all of that food—whether it is fresh, frozen, or dry goods—that we are going to have the inventory to pull this off."
In addition to securing more food from its partners, the food bank says volunteers play a big part in meeting this demand.
"Our volunteers always respond, and this year is no different," Arthur said. "All of our volunteer slots are actually full through January, and they have been for a couple of weeks."
Those needing food assistance this holiday season can contact the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank HERE.