TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Americans have been paying more for groceries and gas, and those costs are being felt by charitable organizations as well.
Terre Haute Catholic Charities has a fleet of trucks they use to transport food and offer mobile food pantry services. So it’s had to deal with the rising cost of gas in addition to higher food prices.
Assistant Agency Director Jennifer Buell says the higher costs may also cause more people to seek their help.
“What we don’t know right now is the overall effect the inflation is going to have on those same individuals. Our expectation is that the number of individuals facing food insecurity is probably going to tick back up a little bit as inflation continues to rise,” said Buell.
Terre Haute Catholic Charities foodbank is a member of Feeding America, and Buell says they have been helping to limit the impact of rising costs.
“If we’re able to receive some of the product that they have made available, then we’re able to do that at a reduced transportation cost, so they’re helping us out there,” Buell added. “Otherwise, quite honestly, it is just costs that we’re having to absorb in our normal operating budgets which can be a little bit challenging.”
Buell says that cash donations are a big help, not only is it easy for donors, but then Catholic Charities is able to purchase exactly what’s needed for the food bank.
