Central U.P. Food Bank Hurting

With tough financial times leaving many of us less able to give than in the past, hundreds of local families are feeling the effects.

Donations are way down from a year ago at the Central U.P. Food Bank in Ishpeming.

With demand up noticeably this year and a short supply of food and money, they weren’t able to run their food pantry last month.

They hope to re-start the food pantry October 22nd, but they’re not sure they’ll be able to do it.

It costs about $2,000 to run a pantry day, and that money is becoming harder and harder to raise.

Fewer people are donating this year, but that’s not the only issue.

The financial donations that are coming in are for less money than usual.

Food items are always welcome, but cash may be more useful.

Food banks can use a dollar in cash to buy food that would cost $5 at a grocery store.