FORT PIERCE — In the wake of high food costs and continued supply chain issues, Treasure Coast Food Bank (TCFB) is seeing more need for food at a time when it has less to provide.

Food Bank shelves are not as well-stocked this summer, which means there isn’t enough of the basic pantry staples that every household could use.

Treasure Coast Food Bank is asking the community to pitch in by holding food drives or making a cash donation to help those in need of food.

“Summer is always a difficult time when kids are home from school and families must provide those additional meals at home that kids usually get from school cafeterias. This year, it’s even more challenging because there is less coming in from our retail partners,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “We’re asking the community to help us stock the Food Bank shelves right now while need is the highest.”

There is an urgent need for canned beans, canned soups and chilis, canned fruits or vegetables, canned meats, like tuna and chicken, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cereal, oatmeal, grits, rice, pasta and pasta sauce.

Anyone with items to donate can bring them to the food bank’s main warehouse at 401 Angle Road in Fort Pierce. There also are other drop-off locations throughout the Treasure Coast, which can be found by visiting stophunger.org/givefood/. Donations of money also can be made online at stophunger.org.

“There is critical need for food across our region, and every single donation makes a difference,” Cruz said.