Even in normal times, there are a number of people in Butler County who struggle to put food on the table, buy clothes and other necessities or pay rent — but our current turbulent moment exacerbates such problems.

Food insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to adequate quantities of affordable or nutritious food.

Feeding America — a nonprofit that operates food banks, shelters and soup kitchens — estimates about 1.4 million Pennsylvanians face food insecurity, and a little less than a quarter of them are children.

A 2019 study by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank estimated more than 19,000 Butler County residents struggle with food insecurity. Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic has created all sorts of problems for communities across the county — from job losses and businesses losing money to municipalities struggling to create budgets with less resources.

It stands to reason that those already having a hard time are being even harder hit.

Local organizations — such as the Butler Chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities Butler County Outreach — that help those in need are facing even tighter squeezes in terms of resources.

A St. Vincent de Paul representative told the Eagle the group has seen increased expenses and decreased revenue during the pandemic.

To make matters worse, St. Vincent de Paul this week had to shut down for a while after a volunteer’s relative was believed to have come into contact with someone who had COVID-19.

Catholic Charities’ regional director told the Eagle the organization expects a large number of evictions to take place later this year after an executive order suspending evictions and foreclosures signed by Gov. Tom Wolf expires.

The United Way, Goodwill and the Salvation Army also reported increased needs, but diminished resources.

While donations to the Salvation Army have been consistent, its county leadership fears that generosity during the pandemic might detract from those helping out around the holidays.

One thing all of the charities agreed on is they could use more donations, and that they rely on the generosity of Butler County residents who can afford to give — and do so.

Various county charities said they need diapers, baby supplies, clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, monetary donations and all varieties of food and drinks.

We appeal to the county’s generous denizens to give if they can.