Unemployment takes toll on NM food bank

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - The number of San Juan County families in need of emergency food supplies has surged, and that has left the stock at the ECHO food bank at a record low.

The nonprofit Economic Council Helping Others works to maintain more than a three-month supply of food, but ECHO officials say the food bank is down to less than a month's supply.

ECHO food programs supervisor Vicki Metheny says donations have been strong, but need has surged 40 percent above last year's levels.

With more than 8 percent of San Juan County's work force unemployed, the food bank has continued to draw in more families needing help.

The demand has forced ECHO to ration supplies, slightly cutting back on what families are given to ensure food will remain available.

Information from: The Daily Times