Rural food pantries have seen higher demand since the pandemic started in March. The winter months typically see more people seeking access to rural food pantries, as seasonal work wraps up and utility costs increase due to the cold weather. Compounding the problem this winter is the terminational of federal unemployment insurance in December. Since May, 8 million people have slipped below the poverty line and one in six people were expected to experience food insecurity by the year’s end.
Rural Reporter