According to Rosalee Thompson who works with the Newton County Community Food Pantry, they are exceedingly low right now and need all the help they can get from citizens.

"We need a whole lot of everything," she said. "We don't turn anything away."

The food pantry accepts all sorts of non-perishables such as canned goods, noodles and boxed meals. She sang the praises of local schools which hold canned food drives regularly.

The food collected at Newton County Schools is divided among food banks and gives them a boost each year, but with so many families in need the supplies go quickly.

"We are busier than ever before," said Thompson. "There have been so many people laid off... they get unemployment but they aren't used to working with such a small income," she explained.

Around 100 households a month seek assistance from the food bank, many referred by the United Way.

Those who have not been referred but who need assistance can come to the food pantry, located at 7125 Turner Lake Circle on Monday or Thursday to seek assistance.

The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. The phone number is (770) 784-0037.

Solid Rock Baptist Church also offers the Willing Helpers Food Pantry which is located at 8111 Brown Bridge Road. An $8 donation is required per box of food and there is a maximum of two boxes per family. For more information about Solid Rock contact them at (678) 342-3434.