FRANKLIN Keeping groceries in the fridge is getting harder for some residents.

Local food pantries said the cost of food, higher rent, utility bills and more are leading to an uptick of people needing food assistance.

"We love everything they give us," said Heather Linneman.

Heather Linneman is thankful she can rely on fresh produce and food for her family from the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County.

"I am on disability, so it's not an always steady income, so it's really good for us to have this holdover until we get those paychecks," said Linneman.

Executive Director Carol Phipps said the pantry has seen a 20% increase in customers compared to this time last year.

"We're open six days a week. On a typical day, we serve 175 households who come to visit," said Phipps. "They're

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