Food Bank Stocks Dry Up in Wake of Great Drought

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http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/11/21-5


The Great Drought of 2012 dries up food bank stocks as holiday approaches. (Photo by chiricahua sky island via Flickr)

The insufferable drought of 2012 continues to wreak havoc as food banks across the country feel the pinch. As the season of feasting gets underway, soaring food prices have cut government donations to the banks and soup kitchens that provide an essential safety net to over 50 million Americans who struggle to eat.

The worst drought in 50 years caused widespread damage to crop supplies, dwindling corn and soybean yields to the lowest point in more than 15 years, driving up costs for everything from grain to beef. According to Reuters, the effect has made its way to food bank stocks:

This summer's crop-damaging weather in the U.S. farm belt has driven up costs for everything from grain to beef. That means higher prices at the grocery store, but it also means the U.S. government has less need to buy key staples like meat, peanut butter, rice and canned fruits and vegetables to support agricultural prices and remove surpluses.

Most of the products from those government purchases are sent to US food banks, which then distribute them to food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters that are a lifeline for people who struggle with hunger - including low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

[Berlum]

1. "Tuff noogies." - Scrooge McRepublican (R)

[Sherman A1]

2. everyone should do some stocking up

on canned goods and alike. Prices are going to go up. Right now, you can probably get some good deals on canned items with the Thanksgiving day grocery ads.

[Bohunk68]

3. I'm on duty Saturday at

our Emergency Food Bank. We cover the time period at the end of the month when assistance is about gone. Am passing this on to our Director. This is huge news not to be ignored.