Food insecurity is higher than ever ahead of Thanksgiving

Nearly 81 million Americans are finding it hard to make ends meet. That’s thanks to the confluence of the pandemic and an economic downturn that has pushed millions out of their jobs.

All that has led to an unprecedented surge of needs at food banks throughout the country.

The magazine Route Fifty reports that some food pantries are distributing as much as 60% more food than they were a year ago. That need has only risen as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.

The problem may be compounded by the recent order from the state’s health department effectively shutting down bars and restaurants for three weeks in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The situation could get even worse in the new year when expanded assistance programs are set to expire. Michigan’s expanded unemployment benefit was extended through the end of the year, but so far there are no plans to continue it beyond January 1.

You can read the full story here.