Food pantries see increase in visitors

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) - The shelves may be full at the Interchurch Food Pantry in Franklin, but manager Shelia Morton says don't be deceived; it won't last long.

"You get all types of folks who are really struggling to make ends meet," said Morton.

The pantry sees as many as 12 first-time visitors a day. Nearly 3,000 people came through the doors last month alone.

With recent plant closings, organizers say they're expecting to see even more.

"On TV they say we're getting better. We're not," said Joe Morton, a volunteer.

Organizers of a Christmas food basketball program in Lebanon say they have requests for more than 600 people this year - a record.

It's not just food pantries.

Organizations that help people pay their heating bills during cold weather in central Indiana are running through their funds more quickly than expected due to a surge in need.

The Johnson County Human Services office has spent half its winter assistance budget and it's still early in the heating season.

Most of the requests to the Saints Francis and Clare Catholic Church come from families whose utilities have either been disconnected or are about to be.

"Please please take time out, reach in your pocket. Just donate whatever you can," said Morton. "We just don't want to see anybody hungry. And there are too many people out there."