Food Banks Highlight Rising Costs and Community Support Amid Holiday Season

The Joseph Project Citywide Food Bank in Moreno Valley, California, has seen a surge in demand as rising food costs strain families across the nation. Pastor Charles Campbell, who leads the food bank, shared a story of a woman overwhelmed by the sight of bacon at a pantry. “She started crying,” Campbell said. “Because of rising food prices, she never thought she would be able to eat anything that had meat in it again.” This reflects a broader trend as food inflation continues to impact vulnerable communities.

Founded in 2011 by Koinonia Evangelistic Center, a nondenominational church outside San Bernardino, The Joseph Project is named after the biblical leader who managed food distribution during a famine. The organization has grown significantly, expanding from serving 1,000 families a week before the pandemic to 3,000 per week now. “We just believe God every week for the money that we need to buy the food,” Campbell said, highlighting the faith-based approach that guides their operations.

Faith-based organizations play a critical role in addressing food insecurity in the United States. Nearly half of congregations participate in some form of food distribution, and the USDA reports that faith-based groups run about two-thirds of community food kitchens and pantries. These efforts are especially vital as food prices have risen 28 percent since 2019, outpacing overall inflation. Supply-chain disruptions, rising labor and production costs, and increased corporate profitability have all contributed to the current crisis.

The impact of food inflation is particularly severe for families living paycheck to paycheck. While some can afford the increased costs, others are pushed into the charitable food system. Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, noted that for those on the edge of poverty, the cost of food is paramount. “For those people who are right there on the edge—who make too much money to get government subsidies but not enough money to survive—that cost of food is paramount,” he said.

As food banks and ministries work to meet growing demand, they rely on community support and creative cost-saving measures. Many organizations are buying in bulk, seeking donations, and partnering with local businesses to stretch limited resources. The Joseph Project, like many others, continues to serve thousands of families each week, driven by a commitment to care for the hungry and vulnerable.

The crisis underscores the importance of faith-based initiatives in addressing systemic issues like poverty and food insecurity. As the nation grapples with rising costs and economic uncertainty, these ministries remain a lifeline for many. Their work reflects a deep concern for the vulnerable, echoing the biblical call to protect the poor and provide for those in need.

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