The level of need for food has gone up dramatically in recent months.

Second Harvest Food Bank has increased its number of distributions, moved some to sites that can accommodate more participants, and is generally seeing more people going to members agencies for food.

To help address some of the need locally, there will be a Produce Express distribution starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at First Lutheran Church, 109 W. Third Ave., Warren.

“The drive thru distribution includes 30 to 60 pounds of food items, including non-perishables, a frozen box, produce box, dairy, along with breads and desserts,” Second Harvest Marketing and Media Coordinator Natalie Massing said. “They can call our Food Helpline to register at (814) 459-3663 extension 117 or register with the church at (814) 723-6450.”

“Registration is important for the Produce Express distribution so that we may have enough food on hand for those in need,” Massing said. There are guidelines based on 185 percent of federal poverty level available to help determine eligibility, but “applicants do not have to show proof of eligibility.”

Same-day registration is possible through Second Harvest’s agency relations department. Those who attend will receive information about the next distribution.

More people are food insecure now than a few months ago.

“With inflation being at a 40-year high and many of the pandemic-related safety net programs coming to an end, including S.N.A.P. (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps), we have seen a significant increase in those in need of food,” Massing said. “Between August and November, there was a 49 percent increase in the number of children (and individuals overall) who have gone to one of our 390 member agencies for food. These include pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, in the 11-county region that we serve. Our mobile distributions — Produce Express and Military Share — are also up significantly.”

Second Harvest has held its Meadville distributions at a larger site since May and added a second distribution at its warehouse in Erie to help address increased demand.