Inflation taking its toll

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on June 12, 2023

Inflation is taking a bite out of everyone's budget but according to KACS, the Kennett Area Community Center, increased costs are forcing some people to make tough choices: “Do I buy food or medicine? Pay this month’s rent or utilities?” And even KACS needs help.

According to a press release, an increasing number of Chester County residents are looking for help with food, utilities, rent, and mortgage, and some are homeless or imminently homeless. From May 2022 to May 2023, the service organization reports their numbers almost doubled — from 494 households to 935 — coming to KACS Food Cupboard for help. Of those 935 households, 52 are first-timers needing assistance.

“This significant increase is due to inflation — increasing rent, soaring food prices, and higher utility bills — and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Emergency Allotment benefits that ended in March. On average, each SNAP participant had their benefits reduced by $82 each month,” the press release said.

Chester County is among the wealthiest counties in the state but a family of four with a monthly household income of $4,800 have difficulty making ends meet, the release said.

The increase in the number of people needing help has put KACS itself in a position of needing help, and it’s asking for donations.

“If you live or work in Southern Chester County, I hope that you feel some responsibility and duty to care for your neighbor. At KACS, we do not charge for any service we provide, and we rely on grants and the generous donations of our community – together we can end the cycle of poverty,” said KACS Executive Director Leah Reynolds.

KACS is looking for donations, volunteers and help with food drives. To learn more about KACS and to lend a hand, go here or mail a donation to KACS, 136 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.