Central Texas Food Bank needs helping hand due to increased demand during COVID-19 pandemic

AUSTIN, Texas - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic increasing demand for food, the Central Texas Food Bank says it needs a helping hand of its own.

On Thursday, the organization passed out hundreds of meals at Del Valle High School in southeast Travis County. 

"It's been rough I think on a lot of us there's a lot of people hurting and needing some assistance and every little bit helps," says Eddie, who was in one of the many cars that stopped by to pick up food. "Just to get some nutrition I haven't worked since March 13th and so this has been a big help to me."

RELATED: Central Texas Food Bank in need of donations, buying food at retail

He wasn't the only one stopping by the distribution event. Car after car lined up to get food.

Now, the group helping people like Eddie needs a helping hand. The Central Texas Food Bank says that since the start of the pandemic, the demand for food has been exceptionally high. On a typical distribution day the food bank says they usually serve about 200 people but they prepared boxes for about 1600 during Thursday's event.

"We are seeing more families come to us for the first time," said Elizabeth Blancas with the Central Texas Food Bank. "There's been people who have lost their jobs, there's been people who've been struggling to make ends meet so we are here to help put food on the table."

She says one of the issues they're noticing is a drop in food donations. The bank is seeing fewer donations coming in from its retail partners and they are also in need of monetary donations to help buy more food. Another issue is the need for volunteers to help distribute the food.

"It's really exciting to be able to help families at this time," Blancas said. "We know that the need is high but that's why we are here. We are not just here to support the families now but for the months to come."

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS

Blancas says the food bank plans to host similar events throughout the summer and urges those able to help to do so any way they can.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. Every weekday we're live at 12 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.

You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.