PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Food pantries are preparing to serve more families than ever as Thanksgiving approaches, with Peoria Friendship House reporting increased demand alongside growing community cooperation.

The organization and its partners are increasing their turkey donations from 250 to 300 to meet the rising need. CEO Marcellus Sommerville said the situation mirrors the COVID-19 years, with families struggling to put food on the table and local groups finding creative ways to help.

“It’s been a challenge. We’ve had to pivot several times over the last few weeks just in terms of how we get food in without breaking the bank in terms of budget,” Sommerville said. “I think the saying is, ‘we have enough people in the room to figure it out,’ and we’re trying to figure it out.”

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