In 2006, 2.7 million pounds of food were collected for the Lincoln Food Bank. Donations are outpacing that number so far in 2007, executive director Scott Young said.

But the demand for food has jumped in that time, as well.

“The more we have to distribute, the greater the distribution,” he said.  

Rising gas prices increase food costs and utility prices, which add to the strain when someone’s trying to feed the family, he said.

The food bank is serving more members of the working poor who can’t seem to make their paychecks last throughout the month.

The most needed items at the Food Bank, according to its Web site, include coffee, canned meats, cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, 100 percent fruit juices, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese.

— Cory Matteson