By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Second Harvest Food Bank in St. Joseph is asking for more money than ever in its annual fundraising drive, because the need is rising.
The annual fundraising drive to support Second Harvest kicks off on Friday and officials from the food bank have set a fundraising goal of $1.5 million.
Chief Development Officer Michelle Fagerstone says part of the reason they need so much to keep services running is the price increases across the nation.
"If you're seeing a price increase at your own grocery store, trust me we're seeing a price increase as well, and we're filling up those trucks at the same gas stations you're filing up at," Fagerstone tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, we feel the pinch of the higher gas prices, the higher salaries that are being paid."
Fagerstone says she tells people that anything they see going on in their homes, Second Harvest is going through those as well.
Fagerstone says due to higher food prices, Second Harvest is even seeing an increase in people seeking their services.
"An increase in the number of people coming through the fresh mobile pantry, the number of seniors applying to participate in the senior box program," Fagerstone explains. "I would actually say it's not at the levels that it was during COVID, but it's definitely higher than it was pre-COVID."
Fagerstone says that's also a factor in the fundraising goal as Second Harvest seeks to ensure there is enough food for everyone within the 19-county service area.
Fagerstone says while the agency is looking for more partners, it is also blessed with sponsors that already provide support.
"Not just financially, but support us with product," Fagerstone says. "We're very fortunate to have as many protein industries as we have."
Fagerstone says they can only really seek support from manufacturers in the 19-county service area that is served