From The Boston Globe · · 1m 10s
Food Pantry Patrons Face 'Too Much Month at End of Money'
Food pantry users report rising costs and federal aid cuts leaving them with less money each month.
In brief
Food pantry users report rising costs and federal aid cuts leaving them with less money each month. Rising grocery prices and reduced federal food benefits are pushing more families to food pantries as they struggle to afford basic needs. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Chris Manno's Story
Chris Manno, 57, helps families at a food pantry then shops herself after her federal food benefits dropped by $300 monthly.
“People are hungry, and they are scared”
Rising Food Costs
Grocery prices increased 2.5 percent over the past year and 30 percent from 2019 to 2025.
Federal Benefits Cut
The Trump administration cut $1 billion in federal aid for antihunger programs and trimmed SNAP funding last year.
Food Bank Demand Spike
Food banks report a 20 percent increase in families served this August compared to last August.
Jacqueline Marquez's Struggle
Jacqueline Marquez, 29, waited 90 minutes at a food distribution site for fresh produce while rationing gas for essentials.
SNAP Participation Drop
SNAP participation fell by 5 million people from July 2025 to June 2026.
Food Insecurity Crisis
Nearly three-quarters of lower-income adults report difficulty covering groceries, housing, medical care, or transportation costs.
The key point
Rising grocery prices and reduced federal food benefits are pushing more families to food pantries as they struggle to afford basic needs.
