Rising food and gas prices impact residents

Many local residents are reporting increased hardship caused by food and gas inflation, as well as other economic factors. This year, Fallbrook Food Pantry has noticed a sharp rise of those seeking assistance with basic food supply. In March of last year, 16,287 individuals were assisted. This year in March that figure increased to 19,812 - an increase of 16.3%. The rising numbers of qualifying clients due to the economic downturn, a 20% increase in the cost of basic foods purchased for distribution such as milk, rice and beans—coupled with a recent decline in donations—have created a hardship...