Food insecurity in the Midlands is on the rise as population growth and housing costs put pressure on families. Nearly 14% of households face hunger, according to Feeding America.

Harvest Hope Food Bank distributes food and resources across the Carolinas to meet the growing need. John Sutton, a Columbia native, said he returned to Harvest Hope this year as prices climbed.

“It’s a great help, we’ve used it before,” Sutton said. “My wife and I are on Social Security now, and things are getting a little rough, so we decided to come back and see what they could do for us.”

College students are also feeling the strain. With tuition costs and a required $2,835 meal plan for freshmen, the Gamecock CommUnity Shop provides free groceries and resources to students, faculty and staff at the University of South Carolina.

Leaders at both Harvest Hope and USC say demand is expected to grow as food prices remain high.