Southwestern Connecticut food banks are running out of food at an alarming rate to meet the growing demands of a new breed of families that now rely on assistance.

Executive director of the Stamford branch of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Kate Lombardo, says because of the current economy and rising food and gas prices, many middle class families are being thrown into uncharted territory. According to Lombardo, some middle-class families, who used to donate to food banks, are now depending on the food banks for their services.

Though the warehouse at the food bank seems full, Lombardo says most of the shelves are filled with soda and junk food, not actual food.

Food banks across southwestern Connecticut are asking the public to help with both monetary and non-perishable food donations.

FoodBank of Lower Fairfield County