The Food Bank of Alaska is asking for donations after seeing a spike in users.
The bank purchased nearly 40,000 pound of bulk food, but needs more. The bank provides food to more than 100 partners that serve people in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and 200 partners across the state.
Last year, agencies served up to 100 people on busy days. This year, they are typically seeing 250 people, including seniors, veterans and families.
Officials say the numbers are up after a food stamp reduction and the end of extended unemployment benefits last year. Plus, more children are at home during the summer, meaning they are not getting meals at school.
There also have been fewer donations to the Food Bank this summer.
