High Demands on Food Banks Depletes Reserves

Food bank officials in Yakima and across eastern and central Washington say their reserves are quickly being depleted, and they're expecting more demand after the state food stamp program was cut back on Sunday. Lisa Sargent with the Yakima Salvation Army food bank says summer months are always a tough time.

As of Sunday, there are 15,000 legal immigrants in the state, and 626 in this county have had their benefits cut in half. Their residency status doesn't meet the requirements for federal help, so many are turning to area food banks. Sargent says they expect to see the kind of demand usually seen during the holiday season. Sargent is hoping for donations of food and cash. If you can help, the food bank is located at 6th and Yakima Avenue next door to the Salvation Army Thriftstore building.