Harry Chapin is seeing more first timers in line at food distributions

CAPE CORAL, Fla.—The Harry Chapin Food Bank is feeding 300,000 people every month, including many new clients who never expected to need assistance.

On a chilly morning in Cape Coral, the food bank delivered a truckload of food to those in need.

Among the recipients was Lucia, who was visiting the food bank for the second time.

"I'm going through so many, so many things right now. I just, you know, have been injured, and I've not been working for almost two years, and I have to do this, disc locators, so I'm just struggling with bills and rent," said Lucia.

Richard Leber, President of the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, explained the growing need for assistance.

"Yeah, there's a lot of new hungry this year. There are a lot of people who really have never had to ask for assistance before, but they just, in the last year or two, reached the point where the budget just doesn't cover all of their expenses, as the cost of everything continues to go up," said Leber.

About 200 families rely on this help, including children, seniors, and working families dealing with the high costs of living.

Lucia expressed her gratitude for the assistance.

"Yes. So, thank you so much for everything that you guys do here," said Lucia.

When she reached the front of the line, she was thankful for the support.

"Thank you, thank you, God bless you. God bless you," said Lucia.

For Lucia, receiving food from the Harry Chapin Food Bank meant one less worry for the week.

Click here for our WINK Feeds Families' March to a Million donation page.