We're all hurting from the soaring prices of groceries and gas. But a growing number of people in mid-Michigan are hurting so badly, they can no longer afford to put food on their table.

"In April of this year, we had about 250 calls from Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties looking for where to go for food assistance, like food pantries," says Suzanne Eman-Jaehnig, vice president of community impact for the Capital Area United Way.

Eman-Jaehnig says that figure's up more than 200 percent from the month before, where they got about 80 calls to the 211 emergency hotline from people looking for food assistance.

And you might be surprised to find out who are making those calls.

"It's moving into what we traditionally call the middle class," Eman-Jaehnig says.

"They've hit a rough spot, where they've either gotten laid off," or the economy is so bad, explains Barbara Anders, director of the Bureau of Adult and Family Services.

Anders says 27 percent of people in Michigan receiving food stamps come from households that are earning incomes; that shows working individuals can no longer make ends meet.

But if food stamp usage keeps rising, Anders says it's for a good reason.

"I believe it will increase because we work so hard to do outreach," she says. "Our goal is anyone eligible for food assistance to get them to receive it."

"You shouldn't think there's a stigma attached [to food assistance]," Eman-Jaehnig says. "Especially because people are calling that have never asked for assistance before. Help is out there. You just have to ask."

For help to put food on your table, call:
211
or
1-800-481-4989