The Flagstaff Food Bank has seen an increase in usage recently, and donation levels are not keeping up with the demand.

Chairperson Deb Anderson said that the organization previously received two to three orders per day that the food bank is open, but now they receive roughly five to seven.

“We’re totally by donation,” Anderson said. “We have no income.”

The food bank does receive some monetary grants, but the money is used to cover overhead costs in order to keep the building open.

The food bank receives donations of meat and vegetables from farmers, which Anderson says is extremely helpful, and it gives customers the opportunity to enjoy fresh food.

Bread is donated by Wild Rose Co-op Food Store as well.

Along with the food used to compile hampers for those ordering them, there are shelves in the food bank that contain items that are free for the taking.

Often, these shelves are full with items not normally requested by those receiving hampers, or items that are nearing expiry.

Anderson noted that they are usually quite full, but are now almost completely empty.

She went on to say that she knows times are tough for most these days.

“We can’t ask people to donate food that they don’t have,” said Anderson.