During these challenging times, we continue to see an increase in people coming to our food banks in Juarez, Mexico needing assistance. Most of the factories in the city shut down in the pandemic leaving many people unemployed and with no income. While some of these companies are gradually reopening, there are many workers who have not yet gotten their jobs back and are struggling to make ends meet.
What has made the situation more challenging are the rising food prices. We always try to give beans and rice in the food bags we distribute since those are staples for the people in this area, but the price for those have risen sharply.
To give you an example, a 50 lb. bag of beans is now $90 whereas it was $40 a couple of months ago. We aim at giving each family 1-2 kilos of beans (about 2-4 pounds) along with some rice, potatoes, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green chile, zucchini and onions.
Thank God we are blessed with great volunteers who are committed to serving their neighbors in need. And thank you so much for helping us be a refuge and resource for those facing hardships during these uncertain times.