SPOKANE, Wash. — Food insecurity is rising in Spokane County for the first time in years.
According to new data collected by Spokane County, around 13% of people living in Spokane County faced food insecurity from 2018 to 2022, up from 10% from 2017 to 2021.
The rate of food insecurity is even higher among young people, which went from 13% to 19% during the same time period.
Local food banks say they are doing their best to keep up with the demand.
“We had, I believe, a little over 90,000 people that received services from our food bank last year,” said Nellwyn Barnett, director of development for the Salvation Army of Spokane.
As the rate of food insecurity continues to grow, the Salvation Army is looking to expand its services at its food bank to address that need.
“As people are lining up, just to receive the services, that we’re able to accommodate people in the best manner possible, and in the most expedient manner possible, most efficient manner possible so that we can serve those needs and reach as many people as we can,” Barnett said.
The Salvation Army of Spokane says it’s difficult keeping food on the shelves, especially fresh produce and products like eggs. The organization says the rising cost of living is driving more people to food banks.
Second Harvest has also seen more families seeking help. The organization served 12.5% more families this year compared to last year.
“This year, compared to last year, we’ve served about 12.5% more families. That’s despite having done only one additional mobile market in terms of the count. But we’re seeing many thousands more families that are turning out,” said Drew Meuer, president of Second Harvest.
Second Harvest says it’s doing everything it can to keep up with the growing number of people relying on food banks.
“Importantly, we were able to distribute about one million pounds more this year than we were last year. But food is still going out our doors faster than it’s coming in, which is just really indicative of the level of need we see in the community,” Meuer said.
Second Harvest says it’s grateful for its agricultural partners who help keep fresh food coming into its facilities.
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