AKRON, Ohio — Once a month Mary Verrette heads to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to get in line for their food distribution that starts at 1 p.m., but Verrett likes to be first in line with her car. 

“I know that everyone gets here early, so I like to beat everybody,” Verrette said. "I was thinking because I’m here in Akron I would get here around 8:30 a.m., and as soon as I pulled up, people starting getting in line behind me.” 

Verrette is unemployed but explained that she is looking for work. Her family is currently living off of one income, which has become increasingly more difficult. 

“Prices in gas, groceries, everything is just going sky high,” she said. “You just can’t keep up with it anymore.”

She’s not the only one feeling the pressures of inflation. Raven Gayheart, the public relations and communications manager with the Foodbank, said they have seen a significant increase in first-time visitors. 

“Right now people served in our pantry network is up 14%,” Gayheart said. “Of the people who are coming to visit food programs in our area, 25% of those people have never needed to ask for help before.” 

Along with surging demand, the food bank is struggling to keep their shelves fully stocked.  

“The Foodbank has less food on our shelves than ever,” Gayheart said. “Right now our local food sources is down 27%.” 

To help sustain their efforts, the Foodbank is asking for help. 

They launched their annual holiday campaign, which will run through Dec. 31. 

For more information on the Foodbanks holiday campaign, click here.

“Food banks across the country are in the business of collecting surplus food from manufacturers, wholesalers, super-markets and retail partners,” Gayheart said. “Right now there just isn’t enough food out there to be donated to local food banks.”​