SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Many Wisconsin food pantries are seeing an increased need for food this summer, and they’re turning to social media to ask for help.

At the Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry, the shelves are looking a little emptier. Still, officials said more new families are visiting the pantry every month.

“It’s unprecedented. We’ve never been this busy before, even during the pandemic,” said Catie Badsing, manager of food security programs at the pantry.

Not only are rising food costs a big contributor to the problem, but Badsing said kids being home from school puts more strain on parents’ wallets.

“Kids who would typically take advantage of free and reduced school meals who are not in summer school programs aren’t getting those meals and so that definitely adds to a family’s budget,” she said.

She said not only are donations down but volunteer availability is too. Badsing said she’s worried about the volunteers she does have.

“I am really truly worried that our volunteers are burning out, or are going to burn out, if we stay at this really high level,” she said.

Their work makes it possible for the pantry to maintain its summer lunch program, dropping off meals to kids throughout the area.

“At the beginning of the summer, it’s about 150 kids a day,” Badsing said. “Towards the end of the summer, we’re going to probably be serving close to 300.”

While resources are spread thin right now, they said they don’t want that to discourage anyone from coming to visit the pantry.

“If you need that extra help, please come,” Badsing said. “We’re here for you, and we want you to use our services.”

For more information on what donation items are most needed, or to find out how to volunteer, visit the Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry’s website.