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Inflation worsens food insecurity

Demand for emergency food has risen recently, not because of an increase in joblessness, but as a result of inflation.
foodbankwma.org
Demand for emergency food has risen recently, not because of an increase in joblessness, but as a result of inflation.

Food Bank of Western Mass. sees more demand as food costs soar

As inflation has pushed up the price of meals, demand has increased at food pantries and soup kitchens in western Massachusetts.

Food insecurity skyrocketed at the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, abated when federal relief programs kicked in, but is on the rise now as government assistance is ending and food costs are soaring.

WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Christina Maxwell, Director of Programs at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

The record-setting tenure of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The 2011 tornado and its recovery that remade the largest city in Western Massachusetts. The fallout from the deadly COVID outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Those are just a few of the thousands and thousands of stories WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has covered for WAMC in his nearly 17 years with the station.