CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you've noticed an increase in the amount of money you're spending at the grocery store, you're not alone.
Inflation has been pushing up the cost of food, which has many people asking where's the money?
More and more families are turning to local food pantries for help this holiday season.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people this year is $61.17, while down from last year, that's a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
“It’s definitely been a tumultuous and often exhausting year," Tina Postel the Chief Executive Officer at Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, said.
From extra COVID-19 SNAP food benefits running dry to the high cost of living, Postel said they've seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who don't have access to fresh and healthy foods.
“People aren’t making a living wage, so they’re certainly working, but not making enough to cover rent, utilities, and food and we all know rent eats first in Charlotte,” Postel said.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
So far this year, Loaves and Fishes have already served a record number of 112,000 people, compared to 106,000 for all of last year.
The problem is compounded too. As more people are asking for help, resources are becoming more limited.
“A food drive that might have historically brought in a thousand pounds is now bringing in 400 pounds of food," Postel said. "What that tells me is that the middle-class folk are feeling the pinch.”
The price of food has outpaced most other items that have been subject to high inflation. It's why volunteers like Richard Thomson are delivering meals to families.
“I go to apartment complexes and houses, and you really see on the faces of these people when you bring food in, how much it really means to them," Thomson said.
If you would like to help, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays is collecting food donations at their warehouse, located at 648 Griffith Rd, on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Much-needed items include frozen turkeys, stuffing mix, canned vegetables, canned meat and canned fruit. Financial donations help with food purchases, especially perishable items such as fresh produce and turkeys. To donate, visit here.
Volunteer drivers are also needed to deliver groceries. For more information, visit here.
For anyone needing food assistance, please call (704) 523-4333 or visit loavesandfishes.org. To visit a pantry for a week’s worth of groceries a referral is needed. For Pop Up Food Shares, please register here.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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