Left, Bob Evans, founder of Joseph's Storehouse, a food outreach ministry and partner with Operation Blessing, provides 2,055 people with food and other supplies each month.

LEBANON, Tenn. – With the U.S. economy hovering on the edge of a recession, many people are already feeling the impact of an economic downturn.

For those living on a fixed income, the soaring price of food, energy costs and gas are causing a financial strain. The price of eggs, for example, has jumped nearly 40 percent since 2006; bread has increased from an average price of $1.05 to $1.28.

Fuel prices have risen again during the last month and continue to remain well above $3 a gallon. Some areas of the U.S. have seen increases up to $.25 a gallon in the past 30 days.

"I believe we are in a time of transition in America," said Bob Evans, founder of Joseph's Storehouse, a food outreach ministry and partner with Operation Blessing. "I believe we will have more people knocking on our door in desperation in the days ahead."

Darrell, a 42-year-old medically retired factory worker and his wife are just one example of families being impacted by this crisis.

He left his job at a chemical plant after developing cancer from prolonged exposure to radiation.

To make matters worse, Darrell's wife recently lost her health insurance with a company she has worked with for more than 15 years. The company was scaling back benefits instead of laying off workers. Days later, his wife had a stroke.

"I believe we are in a time of transition in America," Bob Evans said. "I believe we will have more people knocking on our door in desperation in the days ahead."

"So many factories have closed and moved overseas," Evans said. "We have really had a large increase in request for food. The cost of living has greatly increased."

In Lebanon, the unemployment rate is right at 7 percent; that's higher than the nationwide average of 5.8 percent.

Thanks to Joseph's Storehouse, Darrell and his wife found a way to offset their weekly expenses by picking up food and supplies from the outreach.

"This food is a big help to us," Darrell said. "It makes a big difference."

Last year, OBI delivered nearly 1 million pounds of food to the center, which is able to provide food, supplies and other aid to about 2,055 people each month.

Darrell not only takes food home for his family but also gives a portion of it to an elderly neighbor who doesn't get out of the house much.

But these families are not the only ones feeling the strain.  Requests to Operation Blessing for food resources has more than tripled in the last six months, fuel costs are up 43 percent to keep OBI's fleet of 18 trucks and 75 tractor trailers on the road, and the availability of donated food staples is decreasing. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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