They have jobs but still need help to feed their families

The mix of local residents visiting a food shelf in Connecticut has shifted in recent years. Before the pandemic, the majority were elderly or disabled individuals on fixed incomes. Now, more working families are seeking assistance due to rising costs of living and inadequate wages. Despite a strong US economy, millions of Americans still struggle to afford enough food. In Connecticut, about 1 in 8 adults live in households where there is often not enough food. Inflation has caused grocery prices to rise by approximately 33.5% since the start of the pandemic. The expiration of pandemic support programs has further exacerbated the situation. Many middle-class families are turning to food pantries due to stagnant wages and rising costs.