JOPLIN, Mo. — As families feel the pinch of higher gas prices, food banks are feeling it too. From picking up donations to getting food to those in need, the cost of fuel is taking a toll.
“We have to keep going and getting the food, and so that our clients will continue to get food and receive food. So that’s going to happen no matter where we have to crunch some corners otherwise,” said Carthage Crossline Executive Director Toni Smith.
The relentlessly high gas prices are adding a strain on area food banks like Crosslines Ministries in both Carthage and Joplin.
“The gas prices have affected us in terms of pickups. We used to be able to fill up the tank about every week, week and a half for $100 and it just jumped up to $150. So it doesn’t sound like a lot, but after a while, your runs, your pickups that you have for food rely upon the truck, it does make a difference,” said Crosslines Ministries Executive Director Carrie Pence.
Crosslines Ministries Joplin location picks up supplies about 16 times each week at different locations.
“We just have to, we have no choice, we have to go pick up the food. And if we don’t pick up the food, the stores don’t bring it to us,” said Pence.
Crosslines in Carthage operates three vehicles, serving around 500 people each month and is also feeling the squeeze.
“Our big box truck that used to cost us $60 or $70 to fill up now costs $120,” said Smith.
“So it’s probably anywhere between 30 to 50% increase, depending upon how many extra trips we have to take,” said Pence.
These high gas prices mean the food banks have to budget and spend a little less on other aspects of their operations.
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