Food pantries ask for cash during lean times

Says there is more need in the summer when food donations are down.

Philadelphia food pantry cupboards are, well, bare this summer. The problem is more people need help and donations are down.

Philabundance Executive Director Bill Clark says the group has a shortage of dry foods during the summer because parents are making meals for children who would normally eat free at school.

“So for a family that is in economic stress that may have three or four kids you’ll find that in the summertime that’s a lot more food they have to procure to meet their weekly food budget. They are already struggling and that puts a great stress on families at that point and time. So we see an uptick of the people coming to the food cupboards to get assistance.”

Clark says they are seeking cash donations, because they can purchase in bulk at big discounts. The buying power allows them to supply a meal for 30¢ a person.