Palmerton Food Pantry is collecting donations of nonperishable items today through Sunday in an attempt to keep its shelves stocked.

A few suggestions include canned soups, canned pasta, canned meats (tuna, chicken), cereals, and crackers, according to Susie Arner, event coordinator.

Arner asked those who donate to look for the balloons on the shelves to mark where some of pantry’s commonly needed items are located.

“The increased cost of food has led to more families requiring food assistance to make sure they’re fed,” Arner said. “The demand for assistance and food support has greatly increased over the last six months.”

Arner delved a bit deeper.

“The number of families that we do serve on a regular basis has increased by 30% over the last 3-6 months, taking us from roughly 90 to 100 families per month in the past to about 130-150 families per month,” she said.

Arner thanked the Palmerton Junior High School National Honor Society members for volunteering, along with the Palmerton High School Leo Club members for their assistance, as well as two different Palmerton Girl Scout troops.

She said food pantry distribution takes place twice a month, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday and fourth Friday of each month at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Fireline Road.

Arner said anyone in need of assistance can come one of those days, visit palmertonpantry.org or send them a message on their Facebook page.