Crisis Center served a record 959 families in November

The Crisis Center of Johnson County hit an all-time high in the average of families served each week in November.

An average of 959 households were served each week in November, a rise from the average of 901 households per week at this time last year, said

Sarah Benson Witry, food bank program director.

“We are seeing a similar trend to last year, just at higher levels,” she said. “Time are really really tough.”

Annually 765 homes are served each week, but that number tends to spike during holiday times - especially as the weather gets cold and the heating bills go up, Benson Witry said.

Luckily, she said, the highest donation period tends to coincide with the holidays.

Benson Witry said the Crisis Center is committed to never reducing the amount of food distributed, which totals roughly 13,000 pounds per week. About another 7,000 pounds per week of perishable food items and hygiene products are also given out.

But Benson Witry said the community has been responsive to their needs.

If fact, the toilet paper drive last month was successful enough to have the shelves currently stocked - something she said is always a struggle.

And with nearly 50 percent of its annual food purchase funds spent since the program's budget started in July, Benson Witry said when funds get low, donations are typically the only option left.

“The community really wants to make sure everyone gets food,” she said.

The Crisis Center of Johnson County hit an all-time high in the average of families served each week in November.

An average of 959 households were served each week in November, a rise from the average of 901 households per week at this time last year, said

Sarah Benson Witry, food bank program director.

“We are seeing a similar trend to last year, just at higher levels,” she said. “Time are really really tough.”

Annually 765 homes are served each week, but that number tends to spike during holiday times - especially as the weather gets cold and the heating bills go up, Benson Witry said.

Luckily, she said, the highest donation period tends to coincide with the holidays.

Benson Witry said the Crisis Center is committed to never reducing the amount of food distributed, which totals roughly 13,000 pounds per week. About another 7,000 pounds per week of perishable food items and hygiene products are also given out.

But Benson Witry said the community has been responsive to their needs.

If fact, the toilet paper drive last month was successful enough to have the shelves currently stocked - something she said is always a struggle.

And with nearly 50 percent of its annual food purchase funds spent since the program's budget started in July, Benson Witry said when funds get low, donations are typically the only option left.

“The community really wants to make sure everyone gets food,” she said.