MONTGOMERY – Food insecurity is a pressing issue across the United States. Currently, every county is home to individuals facing hunger, affecting over 355,000 people in the Regional Food Bank’s 23-county service area alone, according to their website.
In 2025, the Food Bank saw a significant increase in support for those in need. CEO Tom Nardacci shared, “We’ve received more food from local producers, farms, and retailers.” This boost was made possible by the opening of a new $25 million facility in Montgomery.
However, challenges remain. Budget cuts in Washington have heightened the need for food assistance, especially as costs continue to rise. Nardacci noted that despite these hurdles, the Food Bank expects to distribute about the same amount of food as the previous year. “This is impressive, considering we had over 200 tractors filled with food not showing up due to USDA budget cuts,” he explained.
The Food Bank’s efforts rely heavily on community support, and Nardacci emphasized the vital role of their 29,000 volunteers. “Whether it’s groups from churches, corporations, or just individuals looking to help, their contributions are essential,” he said.
Recent statistics show that food insecurity rates have spiked since the pandemic, with a 25% increase in requests for assistance compared to before 2020. Experts stress the importance of addressing these issues now more than ever, focusing on sustainable solutions. As one local charity advisor pointed out, “We need to invest in community food systems to build resilience for the future.”
For more information on how to help or to learn more about the Regional Food Bank, you can visit their website at Regional Food Bank.
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Regfional Food Bank
