March 21, 2020
Want to help feed people in need in our community? Help us stop hoarding!
As your food bank works diligently to secure more food, we are hearing loud and clear from our suppliers and that due to the extraordinary demand in retail stores, their inventories are depleted. A large factor in this situation is hoard purchasing.
Under normal circumstances, most of the food your food bank distributes is donated to us from either food retailers, food producers and the general public. Shortages in retail stores have significantly affected our operations. Our retailers have not been able to provide us with much food. This disruption is impacting our largest distribution program: our Partner Agency Program. Our network of over 150 partner agencies spans five counties, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Lee Counties. Under normal circumstances, we feed 28,000 people weekly. We are quickly running out of food product that we can give to our partner agencies.
Our suppliers have suggested that if consumers slowed down the amount of food that they are purchasing, retail stores would be able to donate food products to us. Your food bank shares in your concern for securing food for your family as we are trying to do the same for those who are hungry.
There is NOT a shortage of food in America. Our grocery stores are out of food right now because too many of us are buying everything. What you may not realize is that your mass purchases are negatively impacting those who only source of food is Harry Chapin Food Bank. You can help us. Please stop hoarding food.
Please help us get the word out. Hoarding needs to stop.