On a sweltering July day, two empty car seats can be seen in the back of Colton Black’s car as he waits for a Harvesters monthly food distribution to begin at North Kansas City YMCA. 

Instead of making the trip, his three daughters, ages 6, 2 and a newborn, were keeping cool at the family’s Claycomo apartment with his wife. With grocery prices at an all-time high, his wife frequently uses the Harvesters website to locate distribution sites to help make ends meet. 

“We have one income, so we have to make everything stretch,” Colton said. 

The family has acquired a deep freeze to preserve larger quantities of food for use in the future. 

Black said fresh fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. Without Harvesters the family would “pay more, there isn’t really another option. We wouldn’t have fresh fruits,” he said. 

Black is grateful for the items he receives from Harvesters. 

“Thank you very much, it helps my family out every month. And it does take a weight off our shoulders,” he said.