Last Tuesday, United Community Ministries (UCM) hit a new daily record high for distributing food to those in need.

Two hundred and six families were served that day, compared with the 150 families on average that are served daily.

So far in October 2012, volunteers at UCM have distributed 23,000 pounds of food to more than 800 families. UCM is now seeking food donations to keep its pantry full.

“Our pantry is getting bare, and there are two ways you can help now,” UCM Executive Director Shirley Marshall said in a statement.

Here’s how you can help:

Bring your food donations to UCM’s Fordson Road location. Items can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Items most needed in the pantry are: canned meat and tuna, soups, canned vegetables, pasta, rice and tomato sauce. The Food Pantry Wish List is available to download here.

You can also do a virtual food drive for UCM, and make an online gift through UCM’s website. Our purchasing power means that we can turn your gift into twice the food you would buy at regular price.