Last year alone, OBI delivered more than 2.2 million pounds of food to Volunteer Way.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – As the United States wrestles with the worst food inflation in 17 years, Lester Cypher also feels the pinch and so do thousands of people he helps on a daily basis.

The annual percentage increase for U.S. food prices nearly doubled last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the agency says 2008 could be worse.

"I have never, ever seen it as bad as it is now," said Cypher, chief executive officer of Volunteer Way, an OBI partner and Florida-based nonprofit, who has helped more than 6 million people since its inception in 1986.

Eggs, for example, cost 25 percent more in February than they did a year ago, according to the USDA. Milk and other dairy products jumped 13 percent, chicken and other poultry nearly 7 percent.

That's putting the squeeze on families and individuals living on a fixed income and forcing area stores to increase their prices, passing the inflation on to customers.

With the help of OBI, Volunteer Way distributes to 80 food pantries that serve 17,000 families a month.

Thanks to Cypher, the Volunteer Way is finding creative ways to bring relief to hungry families. The group recently linked arms with the University of Florida to start hydroponic farming to grow vegetables year-round and donate the produce to those in need.

Operation Blessing's Hunger Strike Force, a long-time partner with Volunteer Way, will continue to deliver truckloads of food and supplies to the ministry. In turn, Volunteer Way distributes to 80 food pantries that serve 17,000 families a month.

Last year alone, OBI delivered more than 2.2 million pounds of food to Volunteer Way.

"We are thankful for partners like OBI," Cypher said.  "Until you look a hopeless person in the eyes and give them hope, you have not lived."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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