Operators of area food banks say the weakening economy and higher food costs are changing the patterns of demand for free groceries.
Not only are there noticeably more first-time clients, the timing of demand also has changed.
"In the past you could count on the end of the month being a heavy week," said Eileen Thomas, executive director of River City Community Services. "Now, it's the middle of the month. It's the beginning of the month."
Through June, nationwide food costs were up 5.3 percent over a year ago, according to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. The price spike was more dramatic on some items: Eggs up 40 percent, peanut butter up 17 percent and bread up 15 percent, to name a few.
A recent Field Poll found that among households earning less than $20,000, 87 percent said they were cutting back on food, clothing or dining.
For families struggling to pay the bills, a few hundred dollars worth of groceries can help provide a little breathing room.
By 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, a line – dozens deep – had formed outside River City's midtown location in advance of its 11:30 a.m. opening. The queue included children, parents and grandparents.
Staff members gave out hundreds of pounds of groceries but never seemed to make a dent in the line, Thomas said. When they closed the doors at 3 p.m. they had served 55 families.
Other food banks also are seeing increasing need.
Jim Toner, co-president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society Conference, which runs the St. Vincent DePaul Food Locker, said he's not sure if the increasing demand is the result of the economy or of more people knowing about the Carmichael food bank. The bottom line is a steady trend of more clients.
So far, Toner said, his food locker is keeping up.
Blake Young, chief executive officer and president of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, said his agency also is seeing more community need, but the food bank is equipped to handle it.
"There definitely is an increase in people coming to our services, particularly new clients," Young said.
He said the food bank sees all sorts of people, including those who have full-time jobs but nonetheless are having a hard time paying their bills.
Young said his staff doesn't judge those lining up for food.
"We feel if people are standing in line, they deserve food."
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
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