Food banks face supply chain crunch

Organizations that feed those in need are seeing more of a demand this time of year. At the same time, they too are being hit by supply chain issues. Tommie Harner, CEO of West Ohio Food Bank in Lima, said the need for food has increased recently, which is typical this time of year as heating bills rise. Some of the products the food bank generally has easy access to are either unavailable now or more expensive. For example, Harner said the food bank recently had to substitute canned chicken for turkey, even though the turkey was apparently available when the order was placed. "They just couldn't get the product in," she said. There also isn't as much produce available with the change of seasons, she said. Harner said food bank leaders hope the supply chain will improve, but they expect that to take a few months or more. Ron Rooker, executive director of CHOPIN Hall in Findlay, said he has read how food banks nationwide are "bracing themselves" for less supply being available. "We're concerned," he said. Rooker added, however, with a partnership with the West Ohio Food Bank, and with that organization's partnerships with Feeding America and the Ohio Association of Food Banks, "I don't feel it's CHOPIN Hall standing alone trying to battle this." And he noted that CHOPIN Hall recently benefited from the University of Findlay's Helping Hands food drive, which collected a record-breaking 214,559 pounds of food earlier this month. The donation sets the local food bank up for the holidays and into the new year, Rooker said. This, too, he said, is the result of partnerships not just with UF, but with the many area businesses and organizations that contributed. Rooker said meats remain a particular concern. CHOPIN Hall is well stocked with beans and canned goods, but does not have as much frozen meat on hand. The food bank strives to provide 3 pounds of meat (frozen or canned) per person in the food boxes it distributes to families. For a family of four, that would be 12 pounds of meat. Rooker said food expenses were 23% higher in 2021 than in 2020. Food bank leaders aren't sure, but they're anticipating that costs might be higher next year. Some of that was because while in-kind donations were "very plentiful" in 2020, they decreased somewhat in 2021. This meant CHOPIN Hall had to purchase more food, he said. In addition, the food bank had to buy more food retail than in the past, including items like peanut butter and tomato sauce. To receive food at CHOPIN Hall, a client must be a Hancock County resident and must meet income guidelines. Rooker said the organization does not ask what it was that led a client to seek help, whether recent unemployment or a medical bill. But, he said, he has overheard people talk about the cost of groceries being an issue. Between food prices and the cost of other items also going up, some clients who last came to CHOPIN Hall six or eight months ago are now coming back, he said. The West Ohio Food Bank recently distributed food at its location in Lima, open to residents of the 11 counties it serves. A total of 555 households had preregistered for the distribution, with Harner noting that "many of those are new to the system." She said over 34,000 families received food last year from the West Ohio Food Bank or one of its partners, almost 20,000 of whom were new. She said this is "primarily a result of COVID." Rooker said CHOPIN Hall has seen a steady increase in clients every month since July. Sometimes he hears about people who are reluctant to come in, and he reminds them that the organization is here to help. If concerns over pandemic safety are a reason people are reluctant, he said, it's worth noting that CHOPIN Hall has changed its distribution practices to be safer. And, he said, volunteers try to be discreet. "We're here to help. … Don't hesitate to reach out. This is what our mission is," Rooker said. Harner, too, stressed that the West Ohio Food Bank does not want anyone to go without food. If someone needs food but can't come to a distribution event, the organization will work with them, she said. "There is absolutely no shame in needing help," she said. Harner said the West Ohio Food Bank doesn't discourage donations of food, but donations of money are preferred. For every $1 the food bank receive, it can provide up to six meals. She noted that the West Ohio Food Bank works with partner agencies across 11 counties. If a resident of, say, Wyandot County can't make it to Lima to volunteer, the organization can work with them to find opportunities closer to home. Meanwhile, Rooker said in-kind donations are welcome if people want to help. CHOPIN Hall has a good supply of food now, because of the UF collection, but will need more after the new year. CHOPIN Hall also distributes personal care items like toothbrush and toothpaste, razors, laundry detergent and dish soap. These are items people can't buy with SNAP benefits, Rooker said. The organization expanded this service this year, and Rooker said these types of items are always needed. Financial donations are also welcome, as are volunteers. The West Ohio Food Bank updates its Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts with information about food distributions. For more information, visit wofb.org or call 419-222-7946. For more information on CHOPIN Hall, visit https://chopinhall.org/ or call 419-422-6401. Arthurs: 419-427-8494