If you have done any form of grocery shopping lately then it will come as no surprise to you that the average cost of food is steadily on the rise. This past month, the USDA stated that “food price increases are expected to be above the increases observed in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, [grocery] prices are predicted to increase between 3.0 and 4.0 percent, and [restaurant] prices are predicted to increase between 5.5 and 6.5 percent. Price increases for [restaurants] are expected to exceed historical averages and the inflation rate in 2021.” While these price increases are not limited to food products, food price increases can tend to hit home the hardest as it’s simply one of those commodities that people quite literally cannot cut out of their budgets.

Food banks have always provided a much needed and valued service to the communities that they serve. Unfortunately, in addition to food price increases this year, there have also been instances of supply chain disruptions and flat out shortages of food being experienced across the country. We were recently having a conversation with a food bank that had reached out to us and they were telling us that “due to increases in food costs and other economic factors, the need for our services has been skyrocketing, especially this year.” The shortages and price increases are resulting in more people reaching out to and depending on the food banks, but unfortunately food banks are also experiencing difficulties obtaining food as a direct result of these same factors.

Semper Foods has been fortunate this past year to be able to build and cultivate a number of relationships with food banks nationwide. While many of these relationships began as a business relationship, they have quickly become more personal and the impact we have been able to have within these communities has truly blessed our team members. Our COO, Andrew Bennington reflects that “this business journey was always enjoyable, but knowing that we are helping to tackle the food scarcity issue in America and emerge as a huge player as a solution for this problem in our great country, makes it even more pleasurable.” Our relationships with these awesome clients have also allowed our team to volunteer and assist with multiple events across various locations and really help expand the impact we are able to have. Between our team here at Semper and the outstanding food bank teams that we get the opportunity to partner with, we truly believe that we are able to have a positive impact on the lives of others and that is all we could truly hope for. Reach out to your local food banks today and see if there is anything YOU could do to help them out. It truly does take a team! #SemperGives #GivingBack #MakingADifference #MoreThanAJob #TeamWork