A local food bank is in dire need of donations as more people are struggling with food insecurity and less people are donating.

The shelves at the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County are usually stacked by this time of year, but that is currently not the case.

Agencies like Malta House, a women's shelter, rely heavily on the food bank.

"They don't even have a nickel, and they need to feed their baby and themselves, so we do this as a volunteer service," said Malta House volunteer Jim Mitch.

The effects of the pandemic and the influx of immigrants have surged demand, and volunteers say they don't see that need slowing down any time soon, which is why they're trying to get ahead of it now.

The food bank is asking the community to share any little bit to help the community.

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County accepts drop-off donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The food bank says its most-needed donations include cereal, oatmeal, tuna, peanut butter, jelly or jam and shelf stable milk.