Bacho cited rising food costs and the end of pandemic-era food assistance programs as reasons why the organization is serving nearly as many people now as it did during the height of the pandemic. The prolonged federal government shutdown this fall also drove a rush of new clients at Bay Area food banks amid uncertainty about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
The combination of factors was an “unprecedented crisis,” said Jared Call, director of public policy and advocacy for the California Association of Food Banks. “We saw long lines and we saw people lining up really early in the morning because of the fear, confusion, chaos and stress.”
“What we want people to be aware of is just how fragile our safety net is right now,” Bacho said, especially in the face of impending cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other programs. “For so many of our neighbors … you may be working and still not making enough to be able to pay your rent, pay your utility bills and still be able to afford food.”
Second Harvest anticipates continued demand for food through the winter holidays, as “sadly the need for support is ongoing all year,” said spokesperson Diane Baker Hayward by email. “That said, the holidays can be a time when household budgets are under extra pressure, and some people who are already on the edge may seek more help.”
The food bank provides food to the community through 400 nonprofit partners. Some of those partner organizations provide other services as well, including housing assistance and child care.
“Sixty percent of the food we provide is fresh produce, in addition to other critical staples and protein items, like milk and eggs and meat,” Bacho said.
