Widespread power outages from Hurricane Milton caused food to spoil in many homes, forcing people to wonder how they would afford the unexpected grocery bills.
Deborah Joseph was without power for three days following the hurricane. By the time she got her backup generator working, all her food had already spoiled.
“I lost about $210 worth of food before I was able to get the generator going,” Joseph said.
Joseph, who uses SNAP benefits, said having to throw away spoiled food was a hard pill to swallow. On Tuesday, the Bartow resident made her way to the Blessings and Hope Food Pantry distribution in Lakeland. Without it, she could have to choose between paying the bills or buying groceries.
“Choose either your light or whatever bill you have, or you would have to choose the food,” Joseph said.
Nearly 14% of Polk County residents experience food insecurity, according to Feeding America.
Food pantries are essential to provide a buffer against the increased risk of food insecurity after a disaster. Organizers of Blessings and Hope Food Pantry said 80 new families have come through their food distribution line since the storm.