AP file photo of boxes of food filled at a food bank.

LANSING – Demand for food banks collectively is up this year because more people are in need, according to Feeding America Western Michigan.

Kenneth Estelle, the president and CEO of the organization, said donations to its food banks so far this year are mostly unchanged from last year for both food and funds, and may actually be down slightly.

The Kentwood-based organization serves 40 counties in the Upper Peninsula and West Michigan.

“Our food bank is constantly sharing on social media and through the mail and the need today has not changed from last year,” Estelle said.

Estelle said he is not aware of any new activities that the public is doing to spread the word about the need for donations.

Estelle said the need is increasing due to anticipated federally mandated changes in qualifications for SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – benefits, while costs to meet basic needs continue to rise.

Estelle said problems related to donor response are likely related to donor fatigue, meaning contributors get tired of frequent appeals.

Estelle said the need for food is mainly driven by basic needs.

Estelle said food tends to be the only discretionary cost that many families have after they pay for rent, utilities and medications, as well as childcare.

Taylor Moore, the president and CEO of Goodwill Northern Michigan in Traverse City, said there is increasing demand on food pantries and a 70% increase in food pantry use from 2021 to 2025.

The organization serves 19 countries with meal programs in the Northern Michigan

Moore said more people are going to food pantries because of the cost of energy, clothing and housing.

Moore said Goodwill Northern Michigan has seen factors that contribute to increasing demand, including the increase of cost of living.