Fort Wayne food need rose in 2012

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - More households are struggling to put food on their table, according to Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County. 

After calculating year-end totals, Associated Churches' Neighborhood Food Network reported a nine percent increase in the number of individuals served in 2012. The total rose from 90,283 in 2011 to 98,436 in 2012, the organization announced Monday.

A total of 1,470,042 meals were distributed to 32,379 families in 2012.

From 2008 to 2012, the program has seen a 24 percent increase in individuals served. 

"We've delivered food to our 28 pantries as steadily as we can. Our financial and in-kind donations have been down, so it hasn't been easy, but we continue to be the best stewards that we can be," said Roger Reece, executive pastor of Associated Churches. "We're just so grateful for the donations that keep coming in to sustain this program, and we're also really looking forward to our upcoming fundraiser Stand Up For Hunger.  The event will help us to continue feeding the hungry in our community."