REDLANDS, Calif. – A local food bank that provides meals and assistance to thousands of local families and individuals each year needs help feeding families this spring and summer.
Why it matters: Rising costs of food have increased the number of families in the community needing food assistance, according to Redlands Family Service Association (FSA).
Details: Inflation has slowed, but the cost of food remains higher than it was four years ago. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the consumer price index for food in the region has spiked 27% since 2019.
The local non-profit took to social media on Tuesday to announce the "urgent need" for help to supply food for local families in need.
Family Services Association is asking for help with its Easter Food Box drive. There are a variety of ways to help, including:
- Shop a list of needed items, build a box, and drop it off at Family Service Association of Redlands located at 612 Lawton St | Redlands, CA 92374
- Donate funds, and FSA will do the shopping. One food box costs approximately $25 to build.
- Purchase items from the organization's Amazon Holiday Food Drive wish list and have items delivered directly to FSA.
- Host a holiday food drive.
All donations for the Easter Food Box drive must be received by March, 12 for distribution on March 19. Those interested in helping can find more information and list of items needed can be at the link below.
The FSA is also preparing to expand its drive-through food box giveaway for the months of June and July. According to organizers, the summer food drive is intended to help fill in the gaps for families who rely on breakfast and lunch meals through school.
More information about the year-round pantry can be found here.
