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High inflation leaves food banks struggling to meet needs

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The Nunamakers are struggling with the 8.3% inflation in consumer price index in April, slowing slightly from March figure which was largest year-over-year increase since 1981.

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The national average gas price reached a record high Wednesday of $4.40 a gallon and global food prices are climbing after shortages caused by Russia war against Ukraine and other supply chain problems.

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Food banks across America say those economic conditions are intensifying demand for their support at a time when their labor and distribution costs are climbing and donations are slowing. 

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The problem has grown to the point where last week President Joe Biden called for a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September, the first since 1969.

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Many families like the Nunamakers the food insecurity becames a painful surprise.

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Nunamakers said “There’s no reason us as a couple and a family should be struggling so hard, We make decent money.”

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Because of inflated prices, groceries didn’t go far enough to feed everyone. And the family still lacked money to pay other household bills.

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Nunamaker said,“At some point, we’re not going to have anything because we would have sold everything.”

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The pandemic forced 60 million Americans to seek help for food insecurity. At the end of 2021, demand for food banks returned to regular levels.