PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The antihunger organization Philabundance is asking for more help from the public this fall, saying more and more of our neighbors are now seeking assistance to feed themselves and their families.

Marla Del Sorto, director of communications, says Philabundance has just completed a survey of the feeding agencies it supplies and the numbers of those who need help with food have increased already by 25 percent — and winter isn’t even here yet.

And Del Sorto says the problem is becoming more prevalent in the suburbs:

“The number of people living in poverty went up by almost 11 percent (from 2008 to 2009), so that tells you that that’s not just people in Philadelphia.  So it’s very likely that someone on your street isn’t sure how they’re going to have enough money to go to the grocery store this week.”

Philabundance is asking people who want to help to go on its web site, philabundance.org, and find out ways to help — from helping with food drives, to volunteering, to making donations.

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio.

Photo provided