COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A recent milestone at a central Ohio food pantry, it's one millionth meal served for the year, is an example of the increased financial instability brought on by inflation.
The Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC) operates a food pantry where Pat Hoisington gets some of her food each month.
“As we get older, it is nice to have something steady, reliable, that you can lean on when you need to," she said.
Hoisington is retired and living on a fixed income. She said inflation has made life more challenging.
“It has changed the way I plan meals, changed the way I buy," she said. “I’ve got so many medical problems that there are certain things I can't eat and other things I can and the things I can eat are usually expensive, and so this helps a great deal.”
She picked out her groceries Thursday alongside others the CRC is happy to help. The number goes far beyond those who were helped there that morning. The nonprofit this week marked serving one million meals to neighbors in need.
“We’re very proud we have the ability to do that but it's also super humbling knowing there’s a million meals worth of need out there,” Stephanie Shildt, CRC vice president of development, said.
It's the first time in the center's 50-year history it's served a million meals in one year, according to Shildt. She said they've served a record number of clients as well -- 15,000 which is a 10% increase from 2023.
“It’s great we’ve been able to do this, but it means that there’s a great need for food security in central Ohio," Shildt said.
She said need at other pantries has also increased.
“Sad there are that many people that do need the help,” Hosington said. “Inflation hasn't helped any of us. Like everybody else on a fixed income, it's hard to stretch. People with families have the same problem. So, we’re not alone. There’s a lot of company in that group. You do the best you can with what's available."
The team at CRC said rising grocery and housing costs are just some factors bringing more people in. Shildt said they will be ready to serve a million meals again in 2025 but hope they don't have to as she described it as a bittersweet milestone.
She also stressed the importance of supporting food pantries all year long.
"A lot of people are donating and supporting food banks like CRC right now, that need doesn't go away on Jan. 1," she said.
