Food banks and pantries around the area are low on supplies and having a hard time keeping stocked, a common problem come February.

“After the holiday season entering into the new year, this is really our slowest time of the year [for donations], but the need continues to be great,” stated Marijo Martinec, associate director of the Northern Indiana Food Bank.

Peanut butter, dry pasta, pasta sauce, soup and other food items are in high demand. Versatile foods that can be used for multiple meals and low-sugar or low-sodium items are popular as well.

The American Red Cross is also feeling the impact of fewer donations during the winter. Bad weather and flu and cold season often prevent people from donating.

“We’ve seen about 350 Red Cross blood drives that have been canceled because of severe winter weather across 25 states,” said Rodney Wilson, a communications manager for the American Red Cross. “That’s caused a national deficit of nearly 12,000 blood donations.”

It is estimated that someone in the US receives a blood transfusion every two seconds. Red Cross blood centers are in need of people who are healthy and feeling well to come in and donate. Donors must be age 17 or older and weigh at least 116 pounds.

Source: Fox 28 Food Donations & Blood Donations