Yuma nonprofit feeling sting of rising prices

Catholic Community Services racking up hundreds of miles delivering hundreds of meals to seniors

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Catholic Community Services delivers hundreds of meals daily to local seniors in our community, but the cost of delivery isn't coming cheap.

Associate Director Mary McClendon says they’re paying over a dollar more a gallon since January, driving up the costs of operations.

McClendon says so far through donations and government funding they have not yet had to deny deliveries or raise prices, but it’s a concern.

Prices on some food items also are up 30% to 40%, adding to their balance sheet and some foods become temporarily unavailable due to supply chain problems.

And while costs in the community rise, so do the demand for their services.

“With an increase in prices there’s an increase in demand, we need that increase in funding as well, if that doesn’t continue we have to start looking at how to reassess our service programs," McClendon said.

McClendon added local businesses and donors have been extremely gracious during these difficult times, making sure local seniors don't go without meals.

Those who wish to donate to the home-delivered meals program can do so on the Catholic Community Services website, or in person at their offices on 32nd street.