This is the time of thanksgiving and giving. Juneau’s food banks claim to be filled with food for the coming holidays. However, the need for food is high.
Last weekend The Caring is Sharing food drive has collected more than 19,000 pounds of food for families as well as people who are in need, says Southeast Alaska Food Bank Manager Chris Schapp.
span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”That’ll give us a great shot to keep the shelves stocked for a few months.” the man said.
But, Schapp said different organizations have different requirements regarding food items and the ingredients they’re seeking. The demand for food is still high.
“span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Most of the agencies we collaborate with say the same thing: their pantry counts are greater and they’re trying to keep up with the demand and ensure that everyone is fed,” Schapp said.
He noted that there are a variety of aspects to consider in the context of food insecurity during Juneau such as the increasing costs of food, paired with insufficient housing options for those who can afford it. Problems regarding states’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP is also a factor in.
Since the start of the year many thousands of Alaskans are waiting in waiting for Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance to accept their SNAP benefits. The last month the Division announced that it was processing around 8,500 applications.
Schapp stated that they provided more than 581,000 pounds of food through their public pantry as well as the 33 member agencies they have in Juneau and the surrounding communities.
This is a record-breaking achievement However, it might not be the last.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”We’re in fact on track for a number that will exceed 400,” he said.
The Southeast Alaska Food Bank is looking to expand in the coming year with a brand-new warehouse that will be 5,000 square feet. Schapp explained that the new facility will allow them to purchase large quantities of food for less and provide more assistance to other partners who serve communities within the region.
