Food distribution organizations say an increase in people like Gomes who have run into what’s known as the “benefits cliff,” coupled with rising food costs and the end of other pandemic-era assistance programs is driving an unexpected spike in demand for food assistance.

“We’ve been getting reports from across the state from folks saying they are seeing some of the longest distribution lines they’ve seen since the early pandemic days,” said Daniela Spoto, director of anti-hunger initiatives at Hawaiʻi Appleseed.

Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center has seen a 30 percent increase in participation at its keiki and kūpuna food distribution sites in the last six weeks. The Food Basket, a food bank on the Big Island, is back up to serving about 50,000 people a month—a lower figure than at the height of the pandemic, but still much higher than the 14,000 people a month seeking assistance pre-pandemic.

Both organizations are seeing a notable increase in the number of senior citizens seeking food assistance.