At Salvation Army food pantry, cupboards are bare

"We are just really scraping the bottom of the barrel to provide food for people, and we are pretty much at the bottom at this point,” Salvation Army spokesperson Haven Sink said.

Food donations typically drop in summer months, but a spokeswoman says the need has reached a critical level.

"Normally, the food pantry is full to the brim, and you can't even walk in the doors. Now there is barely anything on the shelves," Sink said.

Food donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army's main office at 215 South Person St. in downtown Raleigh. Items needed include canned fruits, vegetables, pasta and other non-perishable foods.