Nonprofits
Inflation’s impact cuts both ways at food pantry
Frozen turkeys flew from their packing cases at the rate of one every 20 seconds, helped on their way to Thanksgiving tables by dozens of volunteers. It was the largest holiday giveaway at the Baskervill Food Pantry.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of people,” said Nancy Cave, co-coordinator of the pantry.
At the peak of Saturday’s giveaway, cars wound through the campus of Holy Cross-Faith Memorial Church, down the driveway and backed up in the turning lane from Highway 17. Along with turkeys, volunteers handed out bags of other holiday foods including sweet potatoes and, for the first time, heads of cabbage.
The pantry also delivers food to sites around Georgetown County. Last month, it gave out a total of 839 bags.
“That’s the highest we’ve ever had,” Cave said.
Inflation has added to the demand, which was already growing through the pandemic, she said, adding that higher prices cut both ways . “It’s costing us more, too.”
The turkeys came from the nonprofits Lowcountry Food Bank and Outreach Farms.
Brent Watts, a volunteer, handed out the last of the 251 turkeys. “You’re in luck,” he told the recipient as he loaded it in her car. There were still about a dozen cars in line. They got other items.
Meat is one of the items in short supply at the pantry as costs rise and supply chains get leaner, Cave said.
The pantry has set a $50,000 goal for its Feed-A-Family for Christmas program this year. Cave said that’s ambitious.
“I don’t know if we’ll make it,” she said.
Donations in $15 increments feed one family. Many people make donations to honor family and friends. Details are available online at holycrossfm.org.
