HUNGER AFFECTS PEOPLE in every community across the country — from rural towns to large cities, impacting children, seniors and families, reports Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. And during the holidays, a guaranteed meal is something many of these families look forward to.
However, some can only hope for it.
In 2024, about 41.7 million people were using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a resource for their food. Around $187.20 was distributed to each recipient monthly, reports the United States Department of Agriculture.
A recent survey, however, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of the banking app Chime, shows the average person spent close to $300 on food and drinks last month for Thanksgiving. SNAP benefits were able to lift some of that heavy load.
A federal government shutdown this fall caused major disruptions for SNAP disbursements, prompting concern and fear for many Americans. Although benefits have been restored, and with food being an important part of holiday traditions and cultures, some low-income families are looking for additional help to make the season bright.
Monument center feeds hundreds of new clients
Concord’s Monument Crisis Center is one local facility adding a new food pantry and service center to its existing building for times like this.
Lexi Stanley, community engagement coordinator for the center, said the winter holidays are the busiest time for them.
“We always want to let people know that we are here for them,” said Stanley, adding that within the first week of SNAP benefits getting cut, Monument registered more than 100 new clients that needed food. It also saw many former clients return to volunteer and help their neighbors.
(Jennifer Alas/CCSpin)
Monument Crisis Center is not the only place people can go to if they’re struggling with food insecurity. Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, which promotes “nourishing our neighbors today and advocating for a hunger-free tomorrow,” is one possibility. It has locations in Concord and Fairfield.
Concord’s White Pony Express is helping the community by extending its food drive through Dec. 31.
Since 1983, Loaves and Fishes has successfully provided more than 6 million meals for people living in Contra Costa County. Not only does the Pittsburg center serve meals, it also distributes groceries to take home for people to make their meals themselves.
The county’s Office of Education (one of the funders of Contra Costa Youth Journalism) also lists several places for families experiencing food insecurity throughout the year.
Food assistance Programs
For families or individuals who need assistance getting food, there are several programs within Contra Costa County dedicated to helping those struggling with food insecurity.
- Food Bank Contra Costa & Solano — 4010 Nelson Ave., Concord. (925) 676-7543
- White Pony Express — 2470 Bates Ave., Concord. (925) 322-0604
- Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa — 510 Garcia Ave., Unit H, Pittsburg. (925) 293-4792
Additionally, students can contact their schools or their district offices to see if there is an available food pantry on campus.
— Mischa Caluma, Contra Costa Youth Journalism
Rising prices also played a part in this season’s food purchasing challenges — even for those who don’t receive assistance. According to the USDA, the prices of groceries increased by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024, making shopping more difficult without much financial flexibility.
Feeling inflation shock
Audrey Wertz said she has noticed a more significant rise in food prices this year than most.
“Thanksgiving shopping made me really notice the rise in prices,” the Concord resident said. “That’s the area where I think the majority of people are feeling it the most.
“I have become more aware of what’s on sale,” Wertz added. “I have definitely been more careful this year than in past holiday seasons, and my shopping habits will likely change from here on out for the holidays.”
Janette Kennedy, executive director of Development and External Relations at Loaves and Fishes, said creating ways to meet the needs of as many as possible county residents — especially during times like these — is an important part of the organization’s future growth and expansion.
“That reality is why Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa expanded meal service and acquired a new facility to significantly increase meal production and ensure we can meet the need now and into the future,” Kennedy said.
“Feeding people has always been urgent — but today it is a growing crisis.”
Jennifer Alas is a 10th grader at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek and a CCYJ reporter. This story originally appeared in CCSpin.