Marcia Eckstein News Today

Inflation has left local residents, who before would never consider using a food pantry or assistance program, struggling to make ends meet and reaching out for help.

In February, inflation has spiked to 7% in the U.S., marking the highest rate in 40 years.

1 of 6 Jim Mercer, left, and Luann Fain, right, help Mary Rowe pick out items from New Hope Church’s food pantry for Rowe’s client on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. New Hope Church’s food pantry is open the first Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kelly Lafferty Gerber | Kokomo Tribune St. Vincent de Paul food pantry volunteer Deedee Jones helps Ronald Bird gather the food he is receiving for the month on Dec. 8, 2020. Tim Bath | Kokomo Tribune Sgt. Mar...

1 of 6 Jim Mercer, left, and Luann Fain, right, help Mary Rowe pick out items from New Hope Church’s food pantry for Rowe’s client on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. New Hope Church’s food pantry is open the first Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kelly Lafferty Gerber | Kokomo Tribune St. Vincent de Paul food pantry volunteer Deedee Jones helps Ronald Bird gather the food he is receiving for the month on Dec. 8, 2020. Tim Bath | Kokomo Tribune Sgt. Mar...