CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The impact of rising food prices is evident in the latest Hamilton Counted report.

Published every three months, the report collects statistics on crime and other issues affecting our community.

What is particularly striking is the sharp increase in the amount of food packages distributed at the Chattanooga Food Bank.

Data shows that the amount of boxes distributed in the first half of this year increased by 77 percent compared to 2022.

The food bank says a combination of rising food and housing prices, the expiration of Covid-era assistance programs and increasing awareness of the food bank’s Foxwood Food Center are leading to the increased demand.

Jeanine Carpenter, communications coordinator at the Food Bank, said: “It’s really difficult to meet the increased demand, so we’re always going to do it. What people don’t realise is that the Food Bank buys about a third of the food we distribute, and we also have great supporting organisations that donate quite a lot. The food collections you see also support some of these emergency rations, but in reality it takes a lot of effort, a lot of grant-making and help from our partners.”

These partners include nonprofit organizations and government support from Hamilton County.

Carpenter says any donations or volunteer work to help meet the needs are greatly appreciated.