AUSTIN, Texas — The continued rise in food prices come as the holiday season starts to rear its head, pushing food banks to be ready for an increase in food insecurity. 

Jonathan Richardson was up bright and early on Saturday morning, working with other Fort Worth Fire Department recruits to put boxes of food into people’s vehicles. 

Jonathan Richardson at an early morning food bank Saturday. (Spectrum News 1/Michael Lozano)

They were one of several food pantry options open on Saturday. Richardson said he’s been in this position before, just not the one handing out the food. 

“When I was younger, I was in this same food line, and so definitely, it’s amazing to be here and be on the other side and help people out,” Richardson noted. 

The Tarrant Area Food Bank. (Spectrum News 1/Michael Lozano)

Richardson and the other recruits are working alongside the Tarrant Area Food Bank to make sure food is getting into the hands of those who need it. 

This holiday season is expected to be much busier for many food banks, as the U.S. deals with the highest inflation since 1990.

The U.S. Department of Labor says consumer goods were at 6.2% in October, including things like food, housing and gas. 

Michael Polydoroff, the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s director of marketing and communications, says that can equate to more people not having the money for food. 

The Tarrant Area Food Bank’s director of marketing and communications Michael Polydoroff. (Spectrum News 1/Michael Lozano)

The supply chain issues and subsequent rise in grocery prices may even impact the supplies of some food banks. 

Polydoroff says, as of now, they’re in good shape. “The need is not food. The need is to get food to people” he continues.  

He’s encouraging more people to get involved with their local food banks this holiday season to ensure the demand is met. 

Richardson is more than happy to spend his Saturday morning giving back, adding, “This city has given a lot to me.”