RALEIGH, N.C. — Food pantries are seeing a startling increase in the number of families that need their services.

Inflation is making it tough for families to survive and food pantries across the state need help making sure no child goes to bed hungry.

Jo Wildeman has been volunteering at food pantries like Catholic Charities for four years because she knows how much families need the help.

Inflation is causing Catholic Charities in Raleigh and its five food pantries across the state to see a 30-percent increase in food pantry visits.  

“The increasing need is concerning. The number of families coming in is a little heartbreaking and it’s only getting worse,” Wildeman said.

For some children who are out of school for the summer break, the food pantry is their only option.  

On average, program director Kelly Rappl says they see 125 to 150 families a day.

“Unfortunately, it could be anybody in the neighborhood, it could be somebody you sit next to on the bus. It could be someone you sit next to at work or at church. Hunger has a face that’s very diverse. It doesn’t discriminate,” Rappl said.

“To see families come in and be so excited over some basics that we take for granted. I really enjoy providing that food for them and to have that moment where they feel relief,” Wildeman said.

Catholic Charities is hosting its Drive out Hunger Golf tournament August 5 at Preston Country Club in Cary to raise money for families in need.

The organization prefers financial donations, so it get a better price at wholesale, but essential items like canned goods are helpful too. 

To find out how you can help, or to learn more about the 7th Drive Out Hunger Golf outing, click here.