SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - The Food Bank of Manatee is experiencing a 40-50% increase in demand for services as Giving Tuesday approaches, with the organization’s vice president calling it the highest need she has seen in seven years.

Amy Tauri , Vice President of Development with Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the food bank serves over 95 food pantries and partner agencies throughout Manatee County and is hearing reports of increased need across all locations.

“People are needing access to food. They pay their bills, and when it comes, there’s more month left than there is money to pay for that month,” Tauri said during an ABC 7 interview Monday.

Tauri attributed the increased demand to several factors, including ongoing impacts from last year’s hurricanes, high cost of living

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