While we’ve seen inflation and supply chain issues affecting a lot of aspects in our lives, Second Harvest Food Bank is also feeling the affects, currently struggling with stocking their shelves.

“We have the issue of inflation and we have the supply chain disruptions,” said Mike Iberis, Executive Director with Second Harvest Food Bank. “We are seeing prices going up for product we are ordering, if we can even get the product.”

Second Harvest is receiving about 20% less food as inflation and supply chain shortages hit home. 

“As an example, Mac and Cheese in November, we’re paying $9.35 a case. Now, we’re paying $14.30 a case. Applesauce for instance, in December, the cost was $18.44 a case. It’s now $20.97 a case.”

Lasagna Skillet Dinners, similar to Hamburger Helpers, were $14.58 a case in November, now reaching $20.64 a case. 

Iberis told 21 News a 10% higher demand and high operating costs challenges the food banks budget, forcing them to look to donors more now than ever.

“That is not typically a reason for major concern, however with the situation of less food really has us on our toes and we’re spending more and more time looking for more food,” Iberis said. 

While the food bank receives 80% of it’s food through donations, they still are concerned about certain orders not being able to be placed. 

For example, the food bank currently can’t order Raisin Bran cereal, so they ordered Crispy Rice cereal as a substitute. 

There’s also concern with transportation bottlenecks as fuel surcharges are now being applied. 

“Some of our loads are costing almost 40% higher in terms of the billing for the transportation as opposed to last year,” Iberis said. “We’re going to do the best we can to continue to operate the way we’re operating.”

The food bank is reaching out to more wholesalers to try and find cheaper options and are also working with Feeding America and USDA to try to get more food locally.

As of now, the food bank is still able to distribute food to all of their partners.