Food Banks Expect Higher Demand During Summer Months

Demand for emergency food assistance is expected to rise this summer.  Last year, food programs reported an average 30% jump during the summer months. 

The economic recession and stubborn long-term unemployment have kept state soup kitchens and food pantries busy.  But the Connecticut Food Bank says its food supply has declined the past few weeks, just as children are finishing school and  parents are turning to emergency food service programs for extra help.

Nancy Carrington is Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Food Bank. "What happens to families with low income who have had children in school receiving free or reduced price lunches and in some instances breakfasts, are now home for the summer. In fact for a family with two children, they will have to come up with an extra 200 meals during the summer vacation."

Last summer the Connecticut Food Bank received a federal stimulus grant to bridge the gap. But those funds are not available this year.  The Food Bank has begun an online virtual food drive at www.ctfoodbank.org.  

For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.