Higher food prices hit South Bend-area food pantries with lagging supplies, high demand

They are part of a recent surge in demand at pantries, which now are also coping with a drop in food they’re receiving — and considering limits on this food aid — all thanks to the same economic forces.  

“Everything is going up, and we’re not getting more money,” retiree Christina Smith of South Bend said as she waited at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana for food for herself and the two grandsons she’s raising, ages 10 and 14, whose appetites have grown.  

No more small bites of this and that for the kids. She said, “Now they want a full-course meal.” 

As one of many seniors who frequent food pantries, her income from Social Security may have risen, but she added, “They took that to pay my medical bills.”