In recent months, the Love Chapel food pantry in Columbus, Indiana, has witnessed a significant rise in demand for assistance. The organization set a record in December 2024 by serving 1,698 families, reflecting broader economic challenges such as inflation and job market instability. This trend continues into the new year, with January seeing an increase from 1,337 families in 2023 to 1,468 families in 2025. Kelly Daugherty, the executive director, attributes this surge to economic pressures including stagnant wages and rising living costs. Additionally, the ongoing bird flu outbreak has complicated matters further, particularly concerning the availability of eggs, a staple item at the food pantry.

A Closer Look at the Situation in Columbus, Indiana

In the heart of Bartholomew County, the Love Chapel food pantry has been grappling with unprecedented levels of need during these challenging times. On a crisp winter day in January 2025, volunteers gathered at the Love Chapel warehouse to prepare snacks for students as part of the School Snack Pack Program, coinciding with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The event highlighted the growing importance of community support in addressing food insecurity.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Over the past two years, the demand for food assistance in Bartholomew County has doubled, with Love Chapel now serving an average of 1,500 families per month in 2024, up from just 750 families in 2022. December 2024 was a record-breaking month, with 1,698 families seeking help. Kelly Daugherty, the executive director, points to several factors driving this increase: a sluggish job market, persistent inflation, and stagnant wages. "Our economy is still suffering," Daugherty explained. "Unemployment has risen slightly, and while inflation has slowed, it continues to put pressure on families."

Adding to these challenges is the bird flu outbreak, which has severely impacted the availability and cost of eggs—a critical item in the pantry's offerings. Egg prices reached a record high of $4.95 per dozen in January 2025, more than double the price seen in August 2023. Despite these hurdles, Love Chapel has managed to secure enough eggs so far but faces uncertainty about maintaining this supply throughout the year. Gleaner’s Food Bank has imposed limits on egg distribution, and local retailers are struggling to keep shelves stocked.

Implications and Reflections

The situation at Love Chapel underscores the broader issue of food insecurity in Bartholomew County, where nearly one in seven residents faced hunger in 2022—the highest rate since the Great Recession. As the economic landscape remains uncertain, organizations like Love Chapel must adapt to meet the growing needs of their communities. The dedication of volunteers and the resilience of those affected highlight the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. However, the challenges posed by economic pressures and supply shortages remind us that sustainable solutions are needed to address food insecurity effectively. Daugherty's prediction of continued demand suggests that efforts to combat hunger will require increased funding and resources in the coming year.