Numbers show East Bay Food Pantry facing unprecedented need

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 6/2/23

“We're busier than we've ever been,” said Executive Director Emily Mushen. “With the expiration of COVID-era SNAP benefits, plus ongoing high prices for food, energy, and housing, we're seeing higher numbers than ever before at the pantry.”

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Numbers show East Bay Food Pantry facing unprecedented need

Posted

The past three years have not been kind to providers of critical social services, and the people who need them — a fact that is evident from the numbers of clients served by the East Bay Food Pantry (EBFP) in the first four months of 2023.

“We're busier than we've ever been,” said Executive Director Emily Mushen. “With the expiration of COVID-era SNAP benefits, plus ongoing high prices for food, energy, and housing, we're seeing higher numbers than ever before at the pantry.”

The echoes of the pandemic continue to reverberate through the community, though in this case, it’s the withdrawal of benefits coupled with soaring prices of food, energy, and housing, which has created an unprecedented surge in the number of individuals and families seeking food assistance.

The food pantry's dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to address the increasing demand on this vital local resource, and those efforts are helped by the continued success of the Thrift Shop, whose proceeds support EBFP’s food programs.

“Thankfully, our thrift shop is thriving and also busier than ever,” said Mushen. “We’re grateful to see how well it's doing.” It’s that success that is allowing the food programs offered by EBFP to continue unchanged.

Also unchanged is the pantry’s support of their clients.

“We have a lot of folks coming in who can’t quite believe they are there. It can be difficult coming to a food pantry for the first time,” said Mushen. “We strive to create a really welcoming and friendly environment.”

They also continue to make an effort to bring in additional supportive services, including a SNAP specialist to help people manage their questions about the program face to face.

Still, the challenges faced by the food pantry are significant, and the increase in demand has placed a strain on their resources, highlighting the need for continued community support. Through donations of non-perishable food items, monetary contributions, and volunteer efforts, individuals, businesses, and organizations can rally together to ensure the pantry's ability to continue to meet the growing needs of the community.

“Until we see the costs of housing, energy and food actually drop, we expect to stay busy,” said Mushen.

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