RINCON — Inflation isn’t just causing ballooning prices for virtually all U.S. goods. It’s also stretching the ability of food banks to meet the needs of an expanding number of clients.

“Yes. We are definitely seeing an increase,” said Lisa Bush, executive director of Manna House Ministries Food Pantry & Thrift Store. “Last week, 28 (Effingham County) families found themselves in line (for food) for the very first time.”

Manna House works together with area churches, businesses, organizations and individuals to combat hunger in a Christian manner. It conducts drive-through food distributions on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. (excluding holidays and inclement weather).

“We are averaging 25 new households each week as people are seeing the the increase in the cost of living/groceries/gas, etc.”

U.S. inflation roared to a fresh four-decade high in June. The consumer price index rose 9.1 percent from a year earlier. The cost of food jumped 10.4 percent.

“(Inflation) is a two-edged sword,” Bush said. “Our numbers are increasing but so does the cost to operate. Manna House exists through donations and volunteers giving sacrificially each month.”

Manna House served as many as 650 people each week during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The total decreased to about 250 after the economy completely reopened but it is up to 350 currently.

Manna House’s Wednesday food line starts at Macomber Park, 1103 Lexington Ave. in Rincon. Call 912-827-2037 or visit www.mannahouserincon.com for more details.