{"id":4362,"date":"2022-10-20T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/networktoendhunger.org\/?p=4362"},"modified":"2022-11-05T14:07:53","modified_gmt":"2022-11-05T14:07:53","slug":"food-inflation-eats-into-americans-budgets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/networktoendhunger.org\/site\/food-inflation-eats-into-americans-budgets\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Inflation Eats Into Americans\u2019 Budgets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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According to the latest inflation data published Oct. 13, 2022, by the U.S. Labor Department\u2019s Bureau of Labor Statistics, \u201cThe average price of food in the United States increased 11.2% in the 12 months ended September after jumping 11.4% previously (the most since May 1979).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bureau\u2019s Consumer Price Index reported that “Food at Home,” foods found in grocery stores, saw a 13% price increase in the past two years. Meanwhile, prices for “Food Away From Home,” service meals and snacks, increased by 8.5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Washington Post reported that, \u201cWhile inflation is rising everywhere, price hikes are particularly devastating to lower-income households with already tight budgets. Nearly all their expenses go to necessities \u2014 food, energy, housing \u2014 which have seen some of the largest increases at different points over the past year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With food prices surging, many American families face heartbreak at the supermarket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food banks and pantries, too, are struggling with the increase in costs, able to offer far less help to those who need it most. To make things worse, food donations are decreasing, even as the number of people seeking help keeps increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a position to help, consider donating or volunteering at a local food assistance program in your neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need help, TBNEH provides a list of food pantries in the Tampa Bay area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click HERE Hillsborough Food Pantries<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click HERE Pasco Food Pantries<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click HERE Pinellas Food Pantries<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Please call or email food providers before going there, as information may have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ECHO serves the Brandon-Riverview area with a wide range of services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ECHO<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Office: 507 N. Parsons Ave. Brandon, FL 33510    813.685.7353<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thrift Shop: 424 West Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL  33511   813.685.0935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebuilding programs offered five days a week and are open Monday-Friday from 8:30-12:30 and Tuesday evenings from 5:00pm \u2013 7:00pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ECHO was founded in 1987 in partnership with the Brandon Ministerial Association and the business community.  It was created so churches and others could send people in need to one central location. ECHO\u2019s mission is to assist residents of Hillsborough County in crisis with emergency food and clothing, offering life stabilizing programs and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Emergency Relief<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ECHO Food Pantry along with the ECHO Clothing closet was created to assist people who have suffered a recent emergency and need help with food and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neighbors who have undergone a recent loss of a job, or reduced income due to health issues, house fire, require help for emergency foster children, or other hardships are encouraged to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folks in need receive 20 pounds of food and are equipped with seven outfits and three pairs of shoes. Children receive two new pairs of socks and underwear or diapers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Life Rebuilding Programs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ECHO has excellent resources in place to help neighbors rebuild their live:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An opportunity to earn a GED,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A workshop where they can discover how to navigate the resources available to them, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A place they can feel comfortable learning how to search for jobs, create their resume and practice mock interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All programs are available FREE of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Employment, Financial, and Advocacy Services<\/u><\/strong><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ECHO\u2019s Back to Work<\/em> program teaches participants how to write a resume, search for jobs, learn the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of interviewing and much more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who have questions related to budgeting, managing finances, handling debts or starting a savings program, can meet with a Financial Planning<\/em> volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting neighbors to partner organizations with Additional Support Resources<\/em> along with providing them with a family goal plan to become successful and self-sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recipe of the Month: Easy Butter Chicken<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Chef Kevin McGinnis recommends this tasty dish. It uses a few spices you might need to buy, but this could become a new family favorite!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Easy Butter Chicken <\/h2>Recipe by Chef Kevin<\/span><\/div>
<\/span>Servings<\/span>

4<\/p>servings<\/span><\/div>

<\/span>Prep time<\/span>

10<\/p>minutes<\/span><\/div>

<\/span>Cooking time<\/span>

30<\/p>minutes<\/span><\/div>

<\/span>Total time<\/span>

40<\/p>minutes<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ingredients<\/h3>
  • <\/span>

    4 chicken thighs and legs<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    2 tbsp chili powder, divided<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 tsp turmeric<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    Salt and pepper to taste<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    8 tbsp unsalted butter<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1\/2 white onion<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    2 tbsp garam masala<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 tsp ground cumin<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 tsp ginger powder<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 tsp garlic powder<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    1 cup heavy cream<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • <\/span>

    White rice as a side dish, optional.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/div>

    Directions<\/h3>
    • Rub the chicken with 1 tbsp of chili powder, turmeric, salt and pepper. Set aside.<\/li>
    • Melt the butter and saut\u00e9 the onion in a large skillet until translucent. <\/li>
    • Add the chicken and brown it on all sides. Set aside.<\/li>
    • Add the garam masala, cumin, ginger and garlic to the same skillet. Mix well.<\/li>
    • Add the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Mix to incorporate and return the chicken to the skillet.<\/li>
    • Cook covered for 15-20 minutes.<\/li>
    • Serve with a side of white rice. <\/li><\/ul><\/div>
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      Nutrition<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
      • Calories: 631kcal<\/li>
      • Carbs: 10.7g<\/li>
      • Protein 45.3g<\/li>
      • Fat 45.9g<\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>