A local food bank is in desperate need of donations to feed the hungry of Acadiana.

Local community nonprofit FoodNet Food Bank has been collecting food and donations from the Lafayette Parish community to distribute to individuals and families in need for 29 years.

But times have gotten tough for the food bank.

“This year, due to the downturn in the local economy, there has been an increase in the number of people in the community in need of food,” says executive director Julie LaFleur. “FoodNet was formed in similar economic times in the mid-1980s to assist those experiencing job loss and other crisis situations.”

Food inventories typically dwindle in the month of October before holiday giving begins, according to LaFleur.

FoodNet assists more than 28,000 individuals annually in Lafayette Parish through three food distribution pantries.  Currently, more than 6,000 pounds of food is distributed per week through the three pantries.

More food donations are needed to keep up with the increase in demand. Items in highest demand include canned tuna, canned meats, canned vegetables and meals in a can, such as chili, beef stew and ravioli.

Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the FoodNet warehouse, located at 217 Surrey St. Donations can also be dropped off at any FoodNet community market wire bin at these locations of area grocery stores:

– Adrien’s Supermarket, 3742 W. Congress St.

– Albertsons, 2863 Ambassador Caffery and 2678 Johnston St.

– Super 1 Foods, 3747 Ambassador Caffery Parkway and 215 W. Willow St.

– Walmart, 3142 Ambassador Caffery Parkway

Learn more about FoodNet by visiting foodnetacadiana.org or by calling 337-232-3663.