Many of us are gearing up for the biggest food day of the year, but for the Food Bank of Siouxland that means making sure hundreds of people don't go hungry this Thanksgiving.

 

The Food Bank has had one of their biggest years as far as distribution, on track to distribute 1.3 million pounds of food this year. That's up 10 percent from last year, but that increase only points to how much demand has gone up with more people being laid off, unemployed, or even just taking pay cuts.

 

“All of a sudden the income takes a 25% cut, well you're groceries aren't taking a drop and your gas tank is going to require more money, not less, so it's harder and harder for those people to keep up,” said Linda Scheid, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Siouxland.

 

Now the Food Bank is working hard to keep up with the basic needs like peanut butter, canned meats and vegetables, and boxed dinners. And with the holidays, of course they're looking for cranberries, corn, sweet potatoes, even perishables are welcome.

 

“I've had a few people come through the door with a turkey,” said Scheid. “That's just wonderful because turkey is not something we're able to order in bulk in advance of the holiday like we wanted to be able to, so if somebody has a spare ham, a spare turkey that goes to people who really need them.”

 

This week is also Caring Rose Week where at participating Sioux City florists you can bring in two canned goods and get a dozen roses for $10. That runs through November 21.

 

The Food Bank distributes to more than 200 organizations all over Siouxland, from Nebraska up to the Minnesota border, so Scheid says every donation big or small is always needed and appreciated.

 

For more information about the Food Bank of Siouxland you can visit their website at www.siouxlandfoodbank.org