Oftentimes, food pantries are the last line of defense tackling food insecurity in communities and providing a safety net for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves the South Lake County population.

The need in this area has only been on the rise post-COVID, but the food pantry said it is being stretched so thin that cuts are having to be made.

For example, decreases in the amount of children served food (breakfast, lunch and a snack) during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks from 700-750 kids down to 500.

“With the expense of ordering more food to feed our families that are walking through the door, and with the higher food cost, our dollars don’t go as far," said CEO Patricia Kry.

Kry said the pantry has seen a five percent

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