VERNON, Connecticut — The Hockanum Valley Community Council, or HVCC, and the Vernon Pet Pantry are holding a food drive Saturday to collect more items for those in need so people and pets don't go hungry.

The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 66 West St. in Vernon .

"The need for food is astronomical, especially now,” said Ron Abrahams, a volunteer and board member.

Abrahams has volunteered at the HVCC pantry for years.

"I started here many years ago. We probably did 40-50 clients on a Monday,” he said. “We are going to exceed 100 today and we have for the last two weeks."

The reasons for this increase include cuts to federal funding for food pantries, the delay in November SNAP benefits and the rising cost for groceries.

"It's just so economical

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