Rising prices for groceries and gas are making life tougher for families in southern Colorado. At the Solid Rock Community Development Corporation food pantry in southeast Colorado Springs, the demand is on the rise.
Every week, around 600 families rely on this pantry for support, an increase from 500 families before this winter. Yevgeniya Tsyganok, the Food Service Manager, explained, “We’re trying to keep up, but it’s getting harder.” Many families are struggling with high prices for food, gas, and utilities.
One visitor, who goes by March, shared her story. After a serious biking accident left her unable to work, she found that rising costs made her daily life more challenging. “Everything is very, very out of reach,” she said.
Tsyganok noted that many first-time visitors feel embarrassed to ask for help. “We want them to know we’re here for them,” she added. However, the pantry is also facing challenges. They usually keep 32 pallets of food stocked but have seen that number drop to around 20.
Volunteers are crucial to the pantry’s operation, but they are also in short supply. “We only have five volunteers; we typically need 12,” Tsyganok said.
The pantry’s biggest needs right now are food, hygiene products, and volunteers. “What started as a temporary COVID agency has become a vital resource for our community,” she explained.
Recent studies indicate that food insecurity has risen sharply in the U.S., affecting more households than ever. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that nearly 10% of American households faced food insecurity in 2021, a substantial increase since the pandemic began.
Food pantries like Solid Rock are not just places to get food; they are lifelines. They help families navigate tough times, and their role has grown more important as inflation hits everyday essentials.
For more information, visit the Solid Rock Community Development Corporation’s website.
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