Local food pantries seeing increased demand

With grocery bills continuing to climb, local food pantries are experiencing an increased demand for their services…

At the Middlebury Food Pantry, Executive Director Pam Bingaman said the pantry is seeing a 35 percent increase in food insecurity assistance compared to last year

She explained that for more people, the need for a food pantry is a typical situation. But since last summer, the pantry has seen almost 50 new families come every week – some only one time and some for a few weeks or months.

“On our record day, we served 325 families,” she said. “Times are hard for many families; costs for utilities and food are up. Also, many are getting laid off from their jobs or had their hours cut, putting them in a difficult place financially.”

Although she hopes things turn around, Bingaman, who’s spearheaded the pantry since 2008, said she isn’t anticipating it.

“The weather is getting colder and that always has a role, and we’re just trying to remain prepared to keep our shelves full,” she said.

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