Hunger is often described as the 'invisible need.' These are the people you won't see, who are changing lives one box, one pallet, one truck at a time.

Hunger is often described as the 'invisible need.' These are the people you won't see, who are changing lives one box, one pallet, one truck at a time.

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Hunger is often described as the 'invisible need.' These are the people you won't see, who are changing lives one box, one pallet, one truck at a time.

Hunger is often described as the "invisible need;" But these are the people you won't see, who are changing lives one box, one pallet, one truck at a time.

Erika Drummond has been a driver with Food Bank for the Heartland for a year-and-a-half.

"It's actually a lot more physical than my other trucking jobs in the past," said Drummond.

Days filled with hard work, but also reward.

"I feel a part of a mission. I feel like we're really helping the community," said Drummond.

Food Bank Communications Manager Stephanie Sullivan knows all too well, it's a mission that comes with a growing price tag.

"Things are really hard at the Food Bank right now," Sullivan told KETV NewsWatch 7.

According to the Food Bank, freight costs have increased 125% since 2020. In the last half of 2021, the Food Bank spent 35% more than budgeted for fuel, and that was before the huge spike in gas prices. Now, it takes about $1,300 to fill up just one of their trucks.

"So it's costing us more to transport the food. It's costing us more to get the food, and because inflationary increases are being felt across all income levels, people are pinching their pennies more, and we're getting less monetary donations in the Food Bank," said Sullivan.

As costs climb, that means fewer mouths the Food Bank can feed.

"It's just created this perfect storm of challenges, and we're struggling to fill that gap," said Sullivan.

With continued support from the community; however, meals will make it to the Food Bank's partners and to families across Nebraska and Western Iowa.

To donate or to volunteer, visit FoodBankHeartland.org

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