BENZONIA -- Local food pantries are seeing many more families that need help to put food on their table.
Benzie Area Christian Neighbors in Benzonia allow families to come into the facility to shop for the things that they need, rather than handing them a box of pre-packaged goods.
"During the holidays we see surges of need and so we really appreciate angels dropping in on us and helping us out with restocking these shelves," said David Abeel, the Director of Development for BACN.
In the Traverse City Area, Goodwill Inn tells 7&4 News they have seen a 60 percent increase in food needs compared to last year. They are also finding it difficult to keep the shelves stocked.
"If people have a little something extra in their cupboard that they could share, we really don't want to see an child, family or senior go hungry," Ruth Blick of Goodwill Industries said.
Beside the holidays, the rise in food assistance could be blamed on the job industry.
BACN, the Goodwill Inn and other food pantries are always accepting donations for food as well as volunteers to work.
