November 7, 2025— Inflation, Reduced Aid, and the Fight to Keep Families Fed
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! But this year, many working and lower-income families face the reality that their normally joyful time to gather with family, break bread and give thanks, is instead stressful and more challenging than ever. Why? Due to rising food costs and diminished subsidies, the need for the support found through Claretian Community Impact (CCI) in high-need communities through food pantries is greater than ever.
As many families prepare for this holiday season, the demand for food security is tangible for more than 42 million people across more than 22 million households reliant on food security subsidies. The more than 850,000 people in the communities served by the Claretians in the United States and Canada includes many families in greater need. As families face reduced assistance and higher grocery prices, local food pantries those supported by CCI are stepping up, ensuring our neighbors have access to food, warmth, and dignity.
We’re grateful for the volunteers and donors who sustain the work of the active food pantries and soup kitchens in the CCI network of programs including:
- St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish (Fresno, California)
- San Gabriel Mission Food Pantry (San Gabriel, California)
- Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry (Perth Amboy, New Jersey)
- St. Joseph Parish (Jersey City, New Jersey)
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Chicago, Illinois)
- Multiple locations throughout Canada
Just last week, as we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Jude at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the need for support was clear among the celebrants. In the OLG Chicago community, the food pantry plays a vital role in supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. Vanessa, a volunteer for the pantry, shared that the pantry often receives over flow of many items, not only food but clothes and household essentials. But with the support of CCI, she’s able to visit a local grocery store and buy much needed items like fresh food like bread, fruits, and vegetables to distribute to those who need them most.
What’s more, as the cold weather approaches, the pantry is in dire need for donations to be able to offer hats, gloves and scarves to families. Vanessa explained how people in need of food and support contact the parish for help, volunteers then prepare food packages to be safely picked up, all to ensure that no one in the community is left without support.
The Claretian Missionaries USA-Canada Province is committed to accompanying all those in need, whether it’s spiritual support and/or community support like food assistance. Join the Claretians in helping those most in need for food security during the holidays.
As we enter the season of giving, we invite you to support families who are struggling to put food on the table. Your generosity ensures that our food pantries can continue to provide groceries, warm clothing, and compassionate care to those who need it most. With your support, we can help families face this season with dignity, warmth, and hope.
Together, we can make sure no neighbor goes without a meal or a reason to give thanks.
