Food bank hopes to fill empty shelves

Shelton, Conn. (WTNH) - A Shelton food bank serving hundreds in the Valley is in dire straits, with some shelves literally empty.

Volunteers at the Spooner House Food Bank in Shelton have little to choose from as they make up orders for needy families.

"There is a lot of children with these orders and ya now the adults are struggling," said Maryann Bonavita. "It is very hard, I feel bad."

"This is the emptiest we have seen our food bank shelves for many years," said Executive Director Susan Agamy, "as long as I can remember."

News 8 received several Report It pictures showing the empty shelves and upon arrival the shelves were still bare. This is because of the usual fall off in donations just after the holidays, along with increased demand.

"We have a lot of clients who are making decisions between purchasing food and paying a utility bill," said Agamy.

No one was been turned away yet, so this Saturday's food drive comes just in time. Volunteers are taking donations at Stop & Shop supermarkets in Ansonia, Shelton and Seymour.

Everything collected will be put on the food bank shelves by volunteers like Bonavita, who worry empty shelves mean empty stomachs.

"It's hard because you want them to have enough nutritious foods," Bonavita said.

For more information about Saturday's food drive and what is needed to restock the shelves visit the Spooner House website.