(EASTON, Md) – Neighborhood Services of Talbot County (Formerly the Neighborhood Service Center) is facing an uphill battle as they work to feed more people who are struggling with food insecurity as they head towards the holiday season.

When we met with Director, Andy Hollis this past summer, the shelves were packed.

But that’s no longer the case as they work to get that food into the homes that need it.

Andy tells WMDT, “…you’re coupling or reducing funding for the food pantry with an increase in patronage. So when I started a year ago, we had about 35 people a day coming through. We just had a new number of 50 in terms of being served. So the increase is substantial.”

As more people continue signing up for access to the food pantry at Neighborhood Services, volunteer are confident it’s a number that will keep going up as we head towards the holiday season.

“We’ve already received 100 calls for families who need, holiday boxes for Thanksgiving. Last year, we served over 300 people, and we do anticipate the same need this year,” says Deputy Director, Yvette Robinson.

As a result, Neighborhood Services is looking for any help being offered to keep food ready to go on their shelves.

“The need continues to grow. And when you see federal or state dollars cut, it needs to come from somewhere. So we’ve got I’ve got pressure to get donations up as well as they receive more funding, hopefully from local government officials, even though they’ve been great already,” says Andy.

And they’re hoping their pantry can look a little more full for the people they’re serving.

Anyone interested in donating can contact Neighborhood Services at (410)-822-5015