Food banks throughout the country are having a difficult time meeting increased demand, USA Today reports.

More people, finding themselves financially strapped, are seeking food donations at pantries and distribution centers. Unfortunately, food banks are unable to fulfill all requests for help.

Feeding America, the country's largest hunger-relief charity, said that donations are up 18 percent but demand has risen 25 percent to 40 percent. Formerly Second Harvest, the group operates 206 food banks.

Last month in Denver, the Salvation Army food bank had to turn away nearly 200 people. The Community Food Bank in Fresno, Calif., has seen food donations drop and demand increase 100 percent; the group donates to 200 food pantries.

In Knoxville, Tenn., where the Second Harvest Food Bank supplies 300 agencies in 18 counties, Elaine Streno said: "What we're seeing now is very scary. Our community is very generous, but when you don't have it, you can't give it."

Last year at this time, the New Hampshire Food Bank had provided 3.7 million pounds of food to 370 agencies statewide: this year, it has distributed 4.6 million pounds — a substantial increase.

Demand for food donations has increased 12 percent to 15 percent at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio food Bank, which serves 250 agencies in eight counties. It is up 50 percent for a regional food bank in Peoria, Ill.

The story in Visalia, Calif., is similar: food supplies are down 45 percent from a year ago, demand has increased 30 percent.

Food agencies are to be commended for their humanitarian efforts to feed the hungry. As demand for food aid increases across the country, creative measures and perhaps more citizen participation will be required to serve all those in need.