Demand doubling at food bank

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By Kate Larsen, Eyewitness News

Summary

Not everyone is lining up at the mall to go shopping this holiday season. Many residents are getting in line at the Kern County Food Bank, hoping to feed their families in tough economic times.

Story Created: Nov 23, 2009 at 7:28 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 23, 2009 at 7:41 PM PDT

Demand doubling at food bank
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Not everyone is lining up at the mall to go shopping this holiday season. Many residents are getting in line at the Kern County Food Bank, hoping to feed their families in tough economic times.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says that in 2008, 1-in-7 American households, or 49 million people, struggled to put food on the table.

Here in Kern County, the number of people asking for food at the food bank has more than doubled since last year. Gary Romriell, project manager at the food bank, said that 4,500 people lined up for food this October, up from 2,100 people last October.

Romriell said he expects the need during the holidays to not only double, but perhaps triple.

He added that almost 60 percent of all the food coming into the food bank serves local children.

The food bank, which is operated by the Community Action Partnership of Kern, is in need of nonperishable items. To donate, call (661) 398-4520.