Devin Cherry
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(York, S.C.) — Every week many people rely on food pantries as a way to feed their families, but the rising cost of food is now affecting how much support people can get from these pantries.

Pastor Luke Mayfield, of the Common Ground Baptist Church in York, says his church’s food pantry has seen fewer donations, as food prices have soared by more than 11% in the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We’ve seen a…shortage of stuff,” Mayfield said. “I think that has a lot to do with the rising prices. It’s not only getting harder for those who need the food, but also those who are bringing it to the food pantry.”

Ebony Mackey, who often donates to food pantries, said while there are other forms of assistance, for many the food pantry is their top option.

“Even though they’re giving out food stamps and vouchers and all of that, the pantry has been around since I was a little kid, and there are still people who are homeless and hungry, regardless of what happens,” said Mackey.

Others who contribute to the food pantry say more needs to be done.

“We have millions of homeless, needy families that work 40 hours a week that still cannot provide a full-course meal for their families at the end of the week,” said Shenika Stewart.

The Common Ground Baptist Church accepts food donations for their pantry on Wednesdays and Sundays.