Open Door Shelter in Norwalk was giving out Easter dinner baskets to over 135 families Wednesday - complete with ham or fish, mashed potatoes, vegetables and all the fixings.

Officials say people had to apply for the baskets in advance.

They say the need for food at the pantry has tripled over the last year.

Open Door Shelter food manager Terano Higgs says helping those in need can be difficult but rewarding. "It's hard, but it's a blessing and the reason why I say it's hard because knowing that our children are struggling and they're hungry and knowing too that their mom can't give to them. We can give to them and being able to give back is a blessing in itself."

Volunteers from the First Congregational Church of Darien helped distribute the meals.