Food insecurity is a growing problem in Butler County, and area food pantries are scrambling to keep up with demand.

Inflation and a reduction in federal SNAP benefits have many families struggling to put food on the table.

SNAP is a government program that provides a sliding scale of income designated for food to low-wage working families, low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and others with low incomes.

SNAP’s monthly stipends were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat food insecurity and provide economic stimulus.

The increases ended in March, and an average family started receiving about $90 less per month, although some households dropped by up to $250, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

These factors have led to more Butler County families turning to food pantries for support.

Community Partnership, a nonprofit that manages the Butler County Food Bank, oversees distribution of food to 32 pantries across the county. Its allotments have increased drastically since March. In February, the food bank served 3,251 people. In March, that number nearly doubled to 6,108, and in May it served 9,159.

The reduction in SNAP benefits is not the sole reason for an increase in families reaching out for help, according to Sandra Curry, executive director of Community Partnership.

“It’s a combination,” Curry said. “SNAP benefits are a 100% a part of that, but there’s also the continued inflation. With food prices continuing to rise, it’s making it harder for not only folks at the bottom but folks in the middle, too.”

According to Hunger Free America, 33.8 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2021, and 8.6 million adults lived in households with very low food security. In Pennsylvania, more that 1 million residents — including 15% of all children — struggled with hunger in recent years.

We encourage anyone who is able to help these pantries to do so. Donate. Volunteer. Do whatever you can to help the hungry in our community.

– JGG