CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — While supply chain issues and inflation have impacted several businesses in our area, local food distribution centers are not immune.
Leaders with the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen in Johnstown say it costs them twice as much to pay for a meal for one person.
That's post-COVID compared to pre-COVID.
"I think there's just a need for food, and there's a hunger out there, so people come," said Manager Greg Karcher.
The Johnstown Soup Kitchen -- which gives away about 150 free meals every weekday -- is paying the price during record-high inflation.
Our prices have doubled. Where our meals were $2.31 per meal, they are up to $4.50 a meal. So, everything has doubled," Karcher told 6 News.Karcher says, after the height of the pandemic, they've seen a huge spike in people coming to get free food.
"So now, we're up to 140, 150, 160, 175. It just builds up," he explained.
It keeps 'building up' as the month goes on.
Karcher says one main reason for the rise in attendance: inflation has made food more expensive for these hungry community members.
"At the beginning of the month, we might start out with 110, 115. By the end of the month, we might end up with 200. That's what I've seen with COVID," said Karcher.
While the soup kitchen relies on grants, officials there say that it can't cover all of their expenses.
That means they're in need of monetary donations from generous community members now more than ever.
"Not only to feed people and give them nourishment, but they have companionship down here. They get to talk to other people that might be in the same boat," Karcher said.
We also asked him if the soup kitchen has experienced any supply chain issues.
"The food supply has changed back up. We had some shortages with chicken and stuff, different things that we tried to purchase, but that has all equaled out. We are able to get whatever we need," he said.
They're not only looking for volunteers for the week of Christmas, but also on your average day.
You can also donate snacks, coats, and other items that will be given away to people in need for free.
Karcher says the community members who receive the free food and goods are very appreciative.
"They're all stressed out when they come, they leave, they're fed, then they're happy about something. It makes your day," he said.
If you don't live in Cambria County, you can look up the closest soup kitchen or food pantry to you and see what they need.
Click here to learn more about the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen in Johnstown.
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