Thanksgiving 2023: Alarming Surge in Need for Food Relief, Say Organizations

This Thanksgiving, local food relief organizations in Evansville faced a heightened demand for assistance. Lisa Vaughan, the Director of Feed Evansville, noted, “There definitely is a need. We ran out of canned goods.”

The Salvation Army stepped up, serving over 800 meals during the holiday. Adam Brothers, their Director of Development, mentioned, “We saw a spike in need this November. We’re thankful to those who helped us serve our community.”

Despite their efforts, pantry shelves are now nearly empty. Brothers highlighted the urgency: “Our food pantry is running low because of the Thanksgiving feast. We need to restock to keep our programs going.”

The need for support doesn’t end with Thanksgiving. As Brothers pointed out, “Hunger knows no season. We’re moving right into the Christmas season, and the demand will only increase.”

Vaughan added, “This year’s need is greater than last year’s. We’re planning distribution for Christmas baskets, following the strong response for Thanksgiving baskets.”

The ongoing hunger crisis is not just a seasonal issue. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affects about 10.5% of American households. Recent studies also show that community food banks across the nation have reported a 60% increase in demand over the past year.

For those looking to help, both organizations welcome donations and volunteers. Vaughan emphasized the goal: “We want to ensure everyone has access to healthy and nutritious meals.”

The community spirit is strong, and as the holiday season continues, support from residents will be crucial in meeting the increasing needs of those facing food insecurity.

For more information on food insecurity trends, you can explore the USDA’s report here.

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