WASHINGTON (CNS) With high inflation driving rising food prices, Elma Lou Ortiz hardly thinks it s surprising that more people are showing up at the food pantry operated by Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi in Texas. Our clients, they are overwhelmed with how much everything has gone up. Even people who are receiving food stamp benefits are coming to our pantry, said Ortiz, director of the agency s Crisis Assistance and Self-sufficiency Services Department.
The evidence is in the numbe
In 2021, Ortiz said about 250 families visited the agency's Choice Pantry each month, choosing the type of fresh fruit and vegetables, staples, meat and dairy
Whether in southern Texas or elsewhere, those who provide food to people in need report seeing more low-income working families and senior citizens seeking assistance. They are hearing from people who are having to carefully choose how to spend their limited financial resources with inflation.