VERONA VA: (Rocktown Now) – A recent survey conducted for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Virginia campaign reveals that rising food costs are driving 45% of Virginians into debt. Among families with school-aged children, that number climbs to 52%.

Les Sinclair of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reports a 16% increase in pantry visits compared to last year—continuing a trend, as the previous year also saw a 16% rise. He explains:

“Since the end of the pandemic, food prices have surged by over 20%. While inflation has slowed, food costs continue to rise—just not as sharply.”

Sinclair also noted that in 2023, the average cost per meal was approximately $3.36 in Rockingham County and $3.67 in Harrisonburg, both slightly above the state average of $3.64.