TEACH has announced a shift in its food drive from a weekly to a monthly schedule, prompting concerns among Modoc County residents. Many speculated that federal budget cuts were the cause, reflecting a broader national discourse on food assistance funding. However, TEACH clarified that the change is primarily due to rising grocery prices that are impacting their budget.
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, grocery prices nationwide increased significantly over the past year, with a 2.6% rise in overall food costs and a 1.9% increase in grocery prices specifically. In California, certain staples, such as eggs, have seen even more dramatic price hikes.
These escalating costs have put a strain on TEACH’s budget, leading them to expend nearly half of their annual resources in the early months of the year. To maintain their support throughout 2025, the organization made the difficult decision to reduce the frequency of food distributions.
In response to this situation, the Modoc Record is organizing a canned food drive from May 1 to May 10, 2025, to support TEACH’s efforts. Residents who donate two cans of food will receive a free copy of the Modoc Record. TEACH emphasizes that each donation can make a significant difference for local families facing food insecurity. They urge donors to provide food that is within its expiration date to ensure usability.
The canned food drive will accept donations during business hours at Les Schwab in Alturas. Community participation is crucial in addressing food insecurity in Modoc County.
Sierra Broadcasting would like to recognize Modoc Record for their efforts.
