Throughout the country, food banks are struggling. With the economy in turmoil, more and more people every day are going hungry and looking for a relief. Unemployment is close to all time highs and many people who have jobs have been forced to cut back hours or take pay cuts. These circumstances result in individuals and families struggling to survive while facing difficult decisions. For many Americans the choice comes down to purchasing food or paying their rent or medical expenses.

A recent national survey by Feeding America polled 176 food banks nationwide. They found that 99% of those surveyed had a significant increase in demand over the last year. While national donations to food banks have slightly increased, demand has grown in some areas by 40% or more. Food banks are seeing lines longer than any time in their history and steady traffic flow on distribution days.

Another challenge food banks are facing is in those who are seeking assistance. Many people looking for food are first time visitors. Often they are from the middle class and never thought they would be in the position of asking for food. Food bank volunteers struggle to help these visitors who are often embarrassed or angry about their predicament.

Coping with these increased demands and unprecedented situations can be challenging. Food banks all around the country are doing the best they can to manage the situation with the resources available. Many food banks have had to tap into emergency supplies, depleting them in some cases. Others have put out pleas to local communities for food and monetary donations. With the holiday season at the door step, many food banks will be handing out chicken this year instead of turkey.

Food banks throughout the country have also been assisting visitors in other ways. They have been helping clients to find other means available to help put food on the table. They are assisting people in the process of applying for food stamps and directing them to other assistance programs.

Even though the economy is said to be improving, food banks across the country do not see an end to these increased demands any time soon. In fact, they are bracing themselves as demands may continue to rise. Those that are able, are asked to help in any way possible. Monetary donations are the best way to help. Organizing food drives in your community and volunteering to help at your local food pantry will also help to keep your community food banks open to those in need.

How Food Banks Are Coping With Increased Demands was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Five places where your money can veil itself:

• Often times, it is distressing to hand over that cold hard cash. As you pay your bills with cash or have to write out a check, you are very observant to the fact that the checkbook or wallet is getting much thinner. Give yourself a monthly allowance. Use that money for dining out, a cup of java, a quick stop at the market and any other minor take-for-granted things that you find yourself swiping that plastic to pay for.

• While paying bills electronically is not a bad thing, be sure to scan the statement carefully for any hidden or “fraudulent charges”. Banks and computers are not always error free. More times than not, if you find a non-valid charge or one that you feel is in error simply call the financial firm, they will rectify the problem; usually resulting in crediting it back to your account.

• Be sure to fill in the amount you are paying manually. The ones with the automatic fill feature may fill in the minimum amount due or it may fill in the amount you last paid. This could result in not paying enough (which may add a late fee because the minimum amount was not paid) or possibly paying more than you budgeted for at that time causing you to be overdrawn (again possibly adding penalties and fees.)

• Know when to hold and when to fold. Saving 10 or 15% by opening a store credit card at the time of your purchase sounds like deal, and it is, providing that you pay off the balance in full when you receive your statement. Many are not disciplined enough to do this. Resist the temptation of overspending as well just because you are getting the percentage off. If you weren’t planning on buying it, then don’t. On the flip side, don’t soar into closing all your credit cards either. This can be harmful to your credit score by decreasing the grand total of your spending limits, causing you to appear a higher risk. Only close the ones charging you an annual fee.

• Track your spending. Frequently log into your accounts and monitor the charges and payments. This will help you keep better control of your spending. If you discover you are spending too much, you have the opportunity to get a more aggressive hold on spending. You will also be able to have a better perspective of what is coming at the end of your statement cycle.

Where’s All YOUR Money? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.