Skyrocketing grocery prices are causing a surge in demand at local food shelves. Consumer price inflation hit a 40-year high in March. High gas prices and food costs made up most of the increase.

Some items cost double what they did before the pandemic.

“I bought a $170 worth of groceries, and I couldn’t see nothing good in the cart, and I was like ‘what?'” said shopper Susie Weah.

Just about everyone is feeling the pain in their pocketbooks.

“On average, I’m paying $60 more a month in groceries,” said Ronald Burkhalter. “I would say I’m spending probably $120 a week between me and my wife.”

The exorbitant prices have many people trimming their budgets, and some families are even turning to local food shelves for assistance.

“It certainly makes it more challenging in our community,” said Steve Jaffee, operations and programs director for the CEAP food shelf in Brooklyn Center.

High grocery prices have some people seeking assistance at local food shelves.

The food shelves at CEAP are ordinarily full, but there are some noticeable gaps now.

“We’ve seen about a 30 percent increase in the need for our services,” explained Jaffee.

He says the organization is being hit with a double whammy: high demand and low donations from their food rescue partners.

“It’s been something that we’ve seen across the board that the stores are having a hard time in sourcing more products, and it’s really showing on your shelves,” said Jaffee.

The nonprofit needs financial donations. They’re also hoping more churches and civic groups hold food drives.

Meanwhile, the organization says it will continue to be a lifeline for anyone in the community who is struggling to put food on the table.

“We’ve really made it a priority for us to continue be serving the community,” said Jaffee. 

Get email updates for daily story previews. “Week in Review” video links, and programming previews.

CCX Media 6900 Winnetka Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428