Drought Has Local Food Banks Preparing For Shortage Of Fresh Produce
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Our drought could soon be drying up local food banks.
"Depending on the severity of the drought, it could even mean having less food available for individuals and families in need here in our community," said Jeremiah Rhine, C.O.O. of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.
The Elk Grove and Sacramento food banks are feeling the ripple effects of the drought with less fresh produce available to feed hungry families.
So what are local food banks doing to continue feeding families in need? Local food banks tell us things may be tough now, but are they are bracing for an even more difficult year ahead.
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Right now, the Sacramento Food Bank has about 400,000 pounds of fresh produce stocked in this warehouse. But with the drought, they're expecting this amount to drop by half by the end of the summer.
They have a nearly bare produce rack. It's a scary sign of what could become a reality for the fruit and vegetable supply at the Elk Grove Food Bank.
"We have to give them less. We try and have the food stretch as far as possible. Some days we have more than other days. It's difficult to predict," said July Sala, a spokesperson for the Elk Grove Food Bank.
The organization serves 4,800 people every month…up more than 1,300 from last year. It is a growing need, and smaller inventory, the Sacramento Food Bank is also preparing for.
"We believe and we're forecasting that the impact could be at least twofold," said Rhine.
Sacramento serves more than 150,000 in need each month. The food bank's produce sources have warned that everything from cabbage and corn to melons and grapes will become more difficult to provide as the drought gets worse.
"Given the possible strains of the drought, there's even more of an importance to stress or to source these valuable items to individuals in need," said Rhine. "It's something that really does change lives and brighten futures."
So how do food banks plan to adjust?
For Sacramento, it means handing out less while supplementing what they can with its own garden in Elk Grove. It's likely replacements will come in cans.
"At least everybody gets one can of fruit. One can of vegetables every month," said Sala.
But with produce accounting for more than half a food banks handouts, agencies know the months ahead could be tough to stomach.
Both food banks tell CBS13 shipping in fresh produce from outside areas is an option. But with gas prices still high, it's an expense they're not willing to add in the budget just yet.
Food banks are also turning to their regular donors, grants and fundraisers to help bring in the funds they believe they'll need as drought continues.
