How did the government shutdown affect food banks?

The government shutdown led to increased financial hardship for many families, resulting in a significant rise in demand at food banks like the Poverello House.

What is the Poverello House?

The Poverello House is a nonprofit organization in Fresno that provides meals and assistance to individuals and families facing poverty and food insecurity.

What specific increase in need did Poverello House see?

Poverello House saw over a 20% increase in people seeking meals, serving 700 individuals at their Thanksgiving buffet compared to 600 the previous year.

Home / Lifestyle / Shutdown's Shadow: Food Banks See 20% Surge

Shutdown's Shadow: Food Banks See 20% Surge

27 Nov

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Summary

Food banks reported over 20% increase in diners post-shutdown.
Poverello House served 700 individuals, up from 600 last year.
Many families now rely on food banks due to financial hardship.

Shutdown's Shadow: Food Banks See 20% Surge

The Poverello House in Fresno experienced a notable surge in visitors for its Thanksgiving buffet, serving 700 individuals—a 20% increase from the previous year. This rise in demand is directly linked to the lingering financial impacts of the recent 43-day government shutdown.

According to Poverello House CEO Zack Darrah, many families who wouldn't otherwise be able to provide a holiday meal are now seeking assistance. He described the reality for many Valley families as "normal" being a life significantly impacted by poverty, where financial resources are consistently outpaced by expenses.

Despite challenges, including potential gaps in government funding, the Poverello House remains dedicated to its mission. Executive Chef Ashley McPherson and her team prepared one hundred turkeys, one hundred hams, and various classic side dishes, demonstrating a significant effort to meet the community's growing needs.