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WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Treasure Coast News - Treasure Coast Food Bank a lifeline for people stuck in the recession

Treasure Coast Food Bank a lifeline for people stuck in the recession

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- Unemployment is down. An economic recovery forecasted for our region. But folks at the bottom seem harder hit than ever, as the demand at local food banks is still on the rise.

A mobile pantry to serve thousands on the Treasure Coast, a lifeline for the community.

Geraldine Jenkins: Haven't you heard the saying, 'until you walk in those shoes, you really don't know whats going on.' Everybody is in hard times. People who thought they had savings they dipped into that and now that's gone. Hard times has been hard times for me a long time because when I became disabled that started my hard times, you know.

Geraldine Jenkins is stuck in the recession. She's one of 107,000 individuals each week fed by the Treasure Coast Food Bank, and the numbers here are still rising.

Judith Cruz/Treasure Coast Food Bank: We haven't seen a decrease. We feel we've made an impact in what we've been doing in the last two-years, the numbers did rise, but not as much as we would have expected.

The food bank distributed 5 million pounds of food this year. Half donated from corporations like Publix, Winn Dixie, and Walmart, to help those like Geraldine whose food stamps run out before the end of the month.

Geraldine Jenkins: I tell you it's a blessing and we thank God for this place.

Judith Cruz/Treasure Coast Food Bank: We are providing them with benefits assistance, food assistance, anything that we can do to help them extend the budget and money that they have.

Even while some clients find work and get stabilized, a growing number are stuck with higher rents, gas, and less pay. Why they're thankful this place is here.

In July they launch a food program focusing on veterans who've just returned from overseas.Treasure Coast Food Bank a lifeline for people stuck in the recession

Friday, June 15 2012, 08:05 PM EDT

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