EDITORIAL: As food bank demand rises, more help is needed

The Community Action Partnership food bank is a lifeline to many. In this time of rising prices and soaring egg costs, the CAP provides meat, salads, breads and more to those who might otherwise go without. 

And we’re talking a lot of people. 

In January 2024, CAP welcomed 1,100 clients. In January this year, it was about 1,500, an increase of nearly 40%. 

Darrell Rickard, program manager, said the food bank is seeing record numbers, with up to 300 families in a single day. In his seven years as manager, Rickard said it’s the most people he’s seen at the food bank, which distributed more than 1.3 million pounds of food last year.

It’s the same story at the 3rd Avenue Marketplace food bank in Post Falls. 

In January 2023, it saw an average of 66 households per day and a total of 2,819 individuals for the month. 

One year later, in January 2024, those numbers rose to 72 households per day on average and a total of 3,265 individuals. 

This year, it’s up again, to 85 households per day in January, and 3,919 individuals who received assistance. 

That’s nearly a 30% increase over two years. 

There’s another problem.

At the same time, the amount of food 3rd Avenue Marketplace collected in January has been less than what it picked up in January the previous two years.

In January 2023, it collected 141,223 pounds. 

In January 2024, it collected 160,187 pounds. 

In January 2025, it collected 137,897 pounds. 

So, what does all this mean? It's simple enough.

More people are in need, and fewer people are in a position to give.

It’s likely the situation will worsen before it gets better. Between high rents and inflation, many are pressed to buy the basics. Seniors on fixed incomes struggle to make ends meet. It's likely that children are going to bed, and waking up, hungry.

We have only praise and thanks for the food banks in this area that do their best. Without them, many would be unable to make meals at home. 

But let’s not assume the food banks can continue to do their good work and all will be well. They are counting on us.

Stores and individuals donate to the food bank, and food drives help. Government-funded food remains a staple, but come spring, supplies can run low and there are days the CAP food bank shelves are empty.

The message is this: If you can donate, either money or food, or even your time as a volunteer, please do.  

Your contribution could keep someone from going hungry.