Food banks in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin are seeing record demand, with rising costs of living forcing more families to seek help. Rising prices for rent, electricity and groceries are leaving more Americans without the money to cover food, sparking what many are calling a “hunger crisis.”
Joe Arthur, who leads the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, has witnessed a surge of more than 50% in food demand since 2021. “The need we’re seeing today is as high as it was at the peak of the pandemic,” Arthur remarked, noting that fewer resources are available now compared to that period.
Demand is rising in communities that haven’t traditionally required food bank assistance. In Wisconsin, food pantry worker Rochelle Gamauf said she is now serving people who have “never visited a food pantry in their life.” She added that the sharp increase in rent and utility bills is driving many families to seek food assistance.
Ken Estelle, who heads Feeding America West Michigan, said his organization is overwhelmed by demand. “We have never seen this level of need in our 43 years of service,” Estelle shared, as the group works to meet growing demand in communities across Michigan.
Critics, including President Donald Trump, have contrasted today’s food costs with those during his term, citing the current administration’s handling of economic issues. According to a poll from RMG Research, 57% of voters feel worse off today than they did four years ago.
As food banks work to meet surging needs, officials warn that without increased resources, they may not be able to keep up with demand, threatening food security for many Americans.
