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Food Bank: Demand continues to grow

Directors of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina say the demand for food in the last year has grown so high they are distributing items in record numbers.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Directors of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina say the demand for food in the last year has grown so high they are distributing items in record numbers.
The Food Bank helps provide emergency food to more than 500,000 people each year.

“We have a lot of individuals who, for the very first time, are in need. We have a lot of individuals who were former donors who are now seeking assistance from our organization,” Food Bank spokeswoman Christy Simmons said.

For each of the last 14 months, the Food Bank has distributed more than three million pounds of food to partner agencies throughout the area.

“It’s unprecedented in the history of our organization,” Simmons said.

Demand for food is up as much as 60 percent, while the amount of donations remains even. But managers say every little bit helps.

“The change that’s in your cup holder could feed a family of four,” Simmons said.

Jennifer Dolan said she donates to help make it easier for those in need.

“I can’t imagine in today’s economy not being able to afford to feed my family,” she said Friday.

There are more than 800 partner agencies for the Food Bank in the 34 counties it covers.

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