Food Bank of Northern Indiana expects another year of great Thanksgiving need

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Thanksgiving is still more than two weeks away, but many are already putting together the menu for the traditional family feast. 

For some, it will come down to the budget: what they can or can't afford to put on the table this year. 

At the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, hard-working volunteers are helping feed local families this Thanksgiving. 

There was a steady line of cars at their drive-through pickup line Wednesday; just between 10a- 12:30p alone, close to 200 cars came through to stock up on groceries. 

Executive Director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana Marijo Martinec says it's just the start of the Thanksgiving rush. 

"It costs more to live now than it did even a year ago," says Martinec. 

Economists tell ABC57 food prices have increased 2 to 3 percent in the last year alone.  

As we fast-approach the holiday centered around a table full of food, the food bank is seeing the need for help this Thanksgiving play out in their long drive-thru pick-up lines.  

"We're seeing things are looking very similar right now to the same period of time last year," Martinec says. "So, I suspect the need will continue to be great as long as the prices for everything remain so high."  

That's why even more than two weeks out from Thanksgiving, people are thinking ahead now and planning what they will be able to put on the table.  

"I do believe a lot of people are beginning to, those who are in need of food assistance, come to the pantry and maybe seeing if we have some of the items that they need in preparation for Thanksgiving Day," explains Martinec.  

Because as Martinec says, everyone deserves to have a full belly on thanksgiving.  

"I think people are really making tough choices between food and other items, necessities in life so they are really leaning into food pantries across the area, food giveaways, to help restock their shelves," says Martinec. 

 The onsite food pantry located on Chapin St is open Mondays and Fridays from 9a to 4p and Wednesdays from 10a to 6p. 

To find pantry locations near you, go to their website.