Are you hungry, waiting on your cheque from work just so you can buy groceries? Or, do you have so many cans of food you bought on sale that you may never actually eat them? Well, if that's the case, the London Food Bank looks forward to seeing both of you.

Since 1986, the London Food Bank has been receiving food donations to help those in need. Just last year they helped 3,100 families per month and 8,500 individuals per month. In 2001, only 2,300 families visited the food bank. "We are finding the demand has remained higher than in previous years," said Mary Ann McDowell, operations coordinator of the London Food Bank. There have been no significant changes in the number of people helped in 2009 than the number of people helped this year.

The rate in families with no income reached 27 per cent in 2009 leaving the London Food Bank disappointed with the mere 3,100 families turnout. Their mission is to help a caring community share its food resources, but that is only possible if those in need seek the support being offered.

It is no surprise that London is a student town. With the amount students spend on tuition, rent, textbooks and equipment, they could use a break in their pockets when it comes to groceries. This is why it was so shocking to see that "only five to 10 per cent of students were helped in 2009," said McDowell. Lexie Singelis, a student at the University of Western Ontario has volunteered at the food bank on several occasions. "I noticed that it's mainly parents with children that come in, I saw maybe one or two students each shift I helped out." She said she hopes more students will start coming to the food bank. "I go to some of my friends' houses and in their kitchens, I see that there's only enough food for two, maybe three days," she said, but her friends claim it will do them for a couple weeks.

The food bank is always accepting volunteers. "They are the core of our organization," said McDowell. "We have a very broad variety of volunteers. Individuals and groups sign up and volunteer frequently. As well we have classes of students that come in twice a week."

"It was actually amazing how sometimes you can go in there and it looks like there is so little, especially around the holidays. There are a lot of people that rely on it and when you help out with food drives you realize how much you're really helping these people," Singelis added.

The London Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization. They strive to work together with other organizations such as churches and social service agencies by coordinating support and distribution of food as well as food-related products. The London Food Bank is working with other groups to work towards a solution to help solve poverty nationwide.

The food bank is always looking for people they can help. Last year alone the London Food Bank collected almost 54,000 pounds of food. If you're in need, head on down to 926 Leathorne St. and pick up some canned goods. If you wish to help the food bank, they are always accepting food and cash donations, as well as volunteers. Get together with a couple friends and book a time to volunteer and help solve hunger.