By: Stuart Summers

The countdown to Thanksgiving is underway. With only six days left, the demand for food is up. The Idaho FoodBank is seeing a large increase in the number of people requesting assistance. Stuart Summers reports on whether the food bank will be able to meet the increased need.

The food bank's director says hundreds more are requesting assistance this year over last, but he's optimistic the community will pull through to help in the coming days.

Just a week out from turkey day, the Idaho FoodBank is busily preparing.

Roy Lacey, Idaho FoodBank: "We always struggle at the last stretch as we wait for the final things to come in."

This year the food bank is facing a holiday increase of more than 200 names - a figure that is up 30% over last year.

Roy Lacey: "The need is great and we'll be here to provide it."

More names means more food, and that ultimately means strain on the warehouse.

Roy Lacey: "We're getting stretched pretty thin. We're also seeing other things that happen in a time like this. Our monetary donations are lower and our food donations are lower. We're looking hard and working harder to make it work."

The food bank says they've received enough turkeys for the holidays, but they're still working to fill a large number of empty boxes that will be delivered just in time for Thanksgiving.

Roy Lacey: "Be generous and give from your hearts. A lot of people need the help this year - many people who have never needed it before are coming out of the woodwork now saying, 'Please help us.'"

The Idaho FoodBank has a number of volunteers scheduled to come in and help put together these boxes over the next week. If you're interested in helping, the food bank is still looking for canned goods that could be used for a Thanksgiving dinner.

You can drop off donations at the food bank at 555 S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello or give them a call at 233-8811.