With gas prices increasing, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is not immune to pressures at the pump. The regional food bank of the Inland Empire is paying up an additional $2,000 more a month for transportation and delivery costs. The fuel surcharge and greater demand from those facing food insecurity, some of which, for the first time, are straining the food bank’s operations.
FARSB’s truck drivers deliver high-quality, nutritious food to over 250 community partners in need and rescue food from retail partners throughout the Inland Empire. At the start of the year, FARSB’s fuel expenses totaled $5,060, exceeding the food bank’s budgeted $2.9 thousand average monthly transportation costs. February 2022 showed fuel expenses reaching record costs of over $5.2 thousand.
“With the skyrocketing cost of gas, housing, and groceries, our neighbors are fighting to survive by deciding between fresh food and fuel,” said Carolyn Solar, CEO at FARSB. “We are facing a strain on our operations. Because of these increases, it’s more important now than ever that the community continues to support the needs of hunger relief organizations such as ours; every action counts.”
The regional food bank has become a lifeline for food-insecure families facing the pressures of inflating fuel and food prices. FARSB serves an average of 100,000 food-insecure neighbors per month. However, between January and early March, the demand of need was increased to an estimated 180,000 people.
Despite the surge in prices, FARSB is actively committed to ensuring food-insecure neighbors can access healthy, nutritious foods. The regional food bank relies on generous donations and support from the community. To volunteer or donate, visit www.FeedingIE.org.
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