ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Rising diesel prices are putting added pressure on food banks across Southwest Georgia as the cost of keeping trucks on the road continues to climb.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he supports the idea of temporarily restricting U.S. diesel exports as fuel prices reach record highs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is examining whether a full or partial restriction would be feasible.

The national average for diesel reached about $6.51 per gallon, according to AAA. The price increase comes amid global fuel-supply disruptions tied to the wars in Iran and Ukraine and reduced exports from major producers.

Here in Georgia, diesel prices are also putting pressure on organizations that depend on trucks to transport food.

Feeding the Valley says it operates a fleet of 14 trucks and is spending thousands of dollars more each month to keep those trucks fueled and get food to families across the region.

The food bank says some of its trucks make the roughly 90-mile trip to Albany two or three times a week.

During WALB’s What’s Going On, reporter Quinlan Parker spoke with Feeding the Valley CEO Frank Sheppard about how the organization is handling the increased costs.

Sheppard said the food bank is working with its logistics company to make routes more efficient and reduce unnecessary miles.

The organization is also using operational reserves to absorb the additional fuel costs while looking for additional funding.

“We need to get the food to people in need,” Sheppard said.

Feeding the Valley says monetary donations can help offset some of those increased operating costs and support its efforts to provide food to families in the region.

To donate to Feeding the Valley, visit: Feeding the Valley donation page

WALB will continue following how rising diesel costs are affecting local organizations and families.

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