As cost of living soars, Buddhist Relief steps up

Whether due to inflation, supply chain issues, or price gouging, the cost of food and other necessities has risen exponentially over the past few years. According to CBS News, “The typical American household must spend an additional $11,434 annually just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in January of 2021, right before inflation soared to 40-year highs, according to a recent analysis of government data.” In Maryland, that number is even higher - families need an extra $12,778 to make ends meet. But government benefits are not keeping up, and more and more families are struggling to put food on the table.

Food banks, faith communities, and other nonprofits are trying to fill the gap, but they are also feeling the pinch of rising prices while demand for their services continues to increase.

This is where Buddhist Relief comes in. We help our nonprofit partners continue to meet their commitments to the communities they serve. Buying in bulk allows us to stretch our dollar further. Delivering goods immediately after purchase means our funds go toward food rather than storage space. We meet regularly with our nonprofit partners to determine how we can best help them, whether it’s providing masa and quinoa to the Choice Pantry at the Upcounty Hub, spices for the chefs at Shepherd’s Table to cook delicious meals that taste like home, or a replacement refrigerator for the Poolesville Little Free Pantry to store dairy and produce.

Buddhist Relief helps the helpers - but we need your help to do it! Please donate to support this essential work. Together, we can end hunger!