While everyone is feeling the financial pains of inflation, the recent increase in the cost of food is especially hurting those who already are dealing with food insecurities, while also driving up the costs of helping those in need.
Here at Matthew’s Hope Ministries, we see hundreds of guests each week in our food pantries shopping for much needed food and supplies to survive. As inflation continues to rise, so does the number of guests who are seeking food as inflation skyrockets across Central Florida and throughout the country. As the numbers of those needing assistance with food continue to rise, so does the financial burden for Matthew’s Hope Ministries to be able to provide for those most vulnerable in our communities.
Since the steady rise of inflation, Matthew’s Hope has been adding roughly 35 new guests a week and is now feeding over 425 people every Bobby McCulley week through our Food Pantry outreach. On top of the rise in the number of guests we are seeing, our food costs have also increased by over 35 percent in the last six months. Plus, our donations in food and supplies have steadily declined over the same period.
As the demands for services continue to grow, the expenditures also grow with the rising need for help. Thus far, Matthew’s Hope has spent over $760,000 on food, hygiene items, medical supplies, and clothing; all of which goes toward helping more than 1,500 guests a month.
As supplies continue to run low, the shelves grow bare and more often there isn’t anything left to fill those empty shelves in the Food Pantry. As Scott Billue, President and CEO of Matthew’s Hope Ministries has stated, “Because this is not just an empty shelf to me. The next time people walk in here, this was groceries they’re not going to have now.”
Which is becoming more often a reality for our guests coming to Matthew’s Hope for help. Which is why it’s so important to Matthew’s Hope that we continue to spread the word of the dire need for donations of supplies and food so that we may continue to support the needs of our guests. Items that we need the most is single served food items, such as Vienna sausage, SPAM, canned vegetables, raviolis, Ramen noodles, soups, fruit cups, etc.
In addition to food donations, Matthew’s Hope Ministries is also in need of travel size hygiene and wellness supplies for men and women. Some items that are currently a critical need is body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs and brushes, wet wipes, deodorant, and Neosporin. Gently used clothing, socks, undergarments, and shoes of all sizes are also in desperate need. For in-kind donations, financial contributions and/or to volunteer; please contact Matthew’s Hope Ministries at (407) 905-9500, visit us onsite at our Orange County campus located at 611 Business Park Blvd #101 Winter Garden, FL 34787 or our Brevard County campus at 825 Forrest Ave Cocoa, FL 32922. For more information about Matthew’s Hope Ministries, visit us online at matthewshopeministries.org.
