By Monica Attison // Philanthropy // EEW Magazine

Empowering Everyday Women (EEW), a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY, marked World Kindness Day with food donations to hungry families.

On Saturday, Nov. 13, EEW launched its official annual partnership with select food banks across the country that are struggling to feed the hungry amid surging food prices and ongoing global supply chain issues. As the holidays rapidly approach, some food banks worry they won’t have enough supplies to meet the increased demand.

Higher costs of food, lower inventory, and labor shortages are creating the perfect storm of difficulty for families that rely on food banks – especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“When food prices increase, food insecurity gets worse,” said Kathryn Jennings, director of EEW’s special programs, who leads the organizations teams in coordinating relief efforts.

Dianna Hobbs, founder of EEW, who consistently donates to food banks and directly to families throughout the year, said, “The donations we collect that go toward feeding hungry families are especially critical this year. Our team, volunteers, and donors are digging deep and making sacrifices to ensure that as many children and families as possible will have a happy and hunger-free holiday season.”

Those on the receiving end of the organization’s generosity are particularly grateful, as the supply chain disruptions, lower inventory and labor shortages have also led to increased costs for charities on which tens of millions of people in the U.S. rely on for nutrition. Donated food is more expensive to move because transportation costs are up, and bottlenecks at factories and ports make it difficult to get goods of all kinds.

The donation cost to buy a frozen turkey has increased from $10 to $15 per bird. Food banks are being forced to spend more money to buy food to make up for waning donations and less options.

“Though challenges abound, with the help of God and dedicated supporters, assistance is reaching those who need it most,” said Hobbs.

To donate, visit empoweringeverydaywomen.org.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.