SPOKANE — Record-breaking gas prices are creating a double burden for local food banks, which face higher transportation costs while serving more families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Spokane hit another record high gas price today, reaching $5.40 per gallon. The statewide average also set a record for the second consecutive day.
Second Harvest, which distributes food to 26 counties in the region, often travels hundreds of miles to collect donated produce from farms.
“Yesterday I went with a truck driver up to Brewster and we got a load of donated apples. It’s great, but we have to go get those and it takes fuel. When we came back, we stopped at the fueling station and it cost about $730 to fill up,” said Eric Williams from Second Harvest.
Partners food bank now serves more than 400 households per day, representing a 500% increase over the last four years.
“If you have an accelerated short-term economic crisis, which it seems like we’re in, then that means the community needs to rally around to support those people that are on the margins,” said Cal Coblentz, CEO of Partners INW.
Both organizations are asking the community to continue donating food, diapers and other supplies to support families in need during this challenging economic period.
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