For the first time in its history, the Capital Area Food Bank will begin charging its members for fruits and vegetables July 1, adding thousands in unexpected costs for some of the 700 agencies that rely on the organization to feed the region’s hungry.
The fee, 10 cents per pound, is needed to help offset the rising cost of food, which hit an all-time high globally this year and is projected to increase between 3 and 4 percent in the United States by the end of the year, officials said.
The food bank, the region’s main provider of food for the poor, has spent $1 million more than expected on fresh produce this year and needs help with its own skyrocketing costs, said Mark McCaffrey, the food bank’s chief operations officer.
“We don’t want to have to do this, but we’re in such a bind,” McCaffrey said. “It’s to try and help us out on transportation and food costs so we can keep the healthy food going out the door.”
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Easton’s Neighborhood Service Center
126 Port Street
Easton, MD 21601
Phone Number: 410-822-5015
In addition to food once a month, it offers: Transitional & emergency housing, transportation, meals, counseling, case management, tutoring. Heating & electric bill assistance. Rent Assistance. 911 (after-hours emergencies). Donations welcome.
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