At a small Garner pantry this month, volunteers are stuffing bags a little fuller and a lot faster as more Wake County families show up for emergency food. Rising grocery bills and higher transportation costs are pushing some households, including seniors and working parents, into new or deeper need. Local organizers say the demand is climbing even as donations struggle to keep pace, stretching both budgets and volunteers.
Why prices are rising
Wholesale inflation has picked up speed in recent months, and that pressure is rolling straight into grocery aisles and pantry spreadsheets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Producer Price Index for final demand rose 0.7% in February and was up 3.4% year‑over‑year, the largest 12‑month advance…..