Food bank reports 100 percent increase in requests

Yet another sign of the times as a Valley food bank hits an unfortunate milestone.

The St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance now reports a 100 percent increase in requests for emergency food boxes. And they do not expect the trend to slow down anytime soon. More than 700 locations in the Valley rely upon St. Mary's for emergency food supplies.

So far, they have not turned anyone away without food, but that could change if they do not receive more donations, whether its from you, listening at home or in your car, or the big Valley grocery chains, food distributors, or growers.

To help, the public can make donations year-round at any U-Haul or Goodwill store location or make a monetary donation using St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance's Web site at www.FirstFoodBank.org.

For those interested in food drive opportunities or to volunteer, call (602) 242-FOOD.