High Winter Costs Leave Families Cold in Spring

Spring is thought of as a time for fresh growth and rejuvenation.

But for many families struggling to afford enough food, springtime still feels cold. High prices during the winter took an oversized bite out of finances, meaning that spring is, at best, a season for catching back up before the other high-cost season of summer hits.

There are many reasons a family might face a steeper cost of living during the winter: the price of heating, adequate clothing to protect against the cold, and repairs to a home or vehicle to ensure it stays safe and warm can all pile up.

During the winter holiday break, children miss the chance to get free or reduced-price in-school meals. Families must also pick up the additional cost of extra food.

“Nowadays, it’s very hard to be able to buy everything that my kids need on a daily basis,” one mom, Adrianna, told us. “The holidays are very stressful. It makes me happy to bring my family together, but there’s also pressure.”

Another mom, Raeleigh, expressed similar concerns. She has three children in their teens and younger, and has been fighting an uphill battle against expenses.

“Bills are skyrocketing,” Raeleigh said, when we spoke to her at a Resource Rally. “It’s ridiculous, the amount it’s taking to take care of a family these days. So to be able to come out here and get some of the things we need – it’s unbelievable. It’s amazing. I really appreciate you guys.”

Both women also admitted that it can feel difficult to ask for help. Too often, food insecurity becomes an invisible issue. If a family lives in an apartment, owns a car, pays for phone bills and the Internet – how can food be an issue? What goes unseen are the sacrifices: no light, heat or air in the apartment until it’s absolutely necessary. The car is driven to work and school, nowhere else. Phones are for emergencies, and computer time is for homework.

And in the wake of winter these necessities, too, are often cut back.

Without your support, families struggling with food insecurity will continue to feel alone this springtime. You can make the difference that allows them to catch up and breathe a little bit easier, and together, we can end childhood hunger year-round.