Food bank short of sustenance
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 6 months AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | June 7, 2022 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — The food bank at the Altar Church usually has enough food on hand to feed up to 100 families.
Monday, its shelves were pretty much empty but for 1,500 boxes of macaroni and cheese.
“We had to close early because of it,” said Stephanie Roberts, food bank manager. “Right now, we’re scraping by.”
She said food supplies have been gradually decreasing and that she believes it is due to the rising costs of everything due to record inflation.
"People are struggling," Roberts said.
Not only are fewer people donating, but more are seeking assistance to feed their families.
“Until now, we’ve been able to keep food on shelves, praise the Lord,” Roberts said.
The Community Action Partnership recently told The Press it is facing personnel and supply chain shortages, and other church food banks are struggling to keep up with demand, as well.
An example of how tough things are, the Altar food bank had not a single can of vegetables, usually a staple, on Monday.
The Altar Church food bank is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.
Donations of nonperishable food and money can be dropped off at the church, 901 E. Best Ave.
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