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MIAMI (CBS4) ― Food banks are hurting in these tough economic times, and this means some of the most vulnerable residents in our population that depend on them--including the elderly--are suffering.

From skyrocketing housing and food costs, to increases at the pump, many South Floridians who were living on the edge now find themselves relying on the generosity of others just to survive. For some families that means turning to area food banks for the first time.

"We have this gas crunch and houses are being foreclosed on and people are trying to make ends meet," said Laverne Reaves. "It is a relief to me, because financially I can pay my bills, but I cannot afford to buy food."

But it is not just families that are having trouble keeping up with the demands placed upon them. Local food banks, like Stop Hunger, are having trouble keeping their shelves stocked with food as the demand for their services grows.

"If they can't distribute their food, people like me and people who are even more needy than I am, you know, they won't be able to get their food," said Gladys Alverio.

Due to state budget cuts, Stop Hunger's meal distributions went from 500-thousand a month to just about 100-thousand meals a month. Stop Hunger's Executive Director Julius Littman says they are doing every thing they can to feed the hungry of South Florida. 

"Today we are the largest independent distributor of food to the poor, needy and homeless in the state of Florida," said Littman.

The Pantry of Broward is another food bank being affected by the economy. It's considered as a one stop shop for seniors. Their goal is to make sure the elderly of Broward don't go hungry, but that's not the only thing they offer. They provide a variety of services to seniors including medical assistance.

"The Pantry of Broward specifically works with seniors on fixed incomes and grandparents that are taking care of grandchildren who are generally two portions of the population very hard to reach," said Bruce Harris.

Harris works at the Pantry, and says seniors are living longer than ever before and outliving their savings.

"They didn't expect to live beyond 70, so now we have 85, 90 year old seniors which is great, but they don't have anything to eat," said Harris.

To help out food banks, like Stop Hunger, CBS4 and Neighbors 4 Neighbors is collecting food from the community during the Food for South Florida food drive from Monday, July 7th through Saturday July 12th.

Many local businesses, agencies and organizations will be collecting food throughout the week and bringing them to one of four BankUnited branch locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

Because the economy is also making it harder for pet owners, Neighbors will also accept pet food donations and arrange distribution for the community's furry friends.

On Saturday, viewers can meet their favorite CBS4 personality when they drop off their donations at the Kendall and Weston branches from 9am to 1pm.

Broward Locations:

Coral Springs
2895 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065

Plantation Towne Square
6941 W. Broward Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33317

Weston
2200 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33326

Wilton Manors
2733 N. Dixie Highway
Wilton Manors, FL 33334



Miami-Dade Locations:

Aventura Waterways
21155 Biscayne Blvd
Aventura, FL 33180

Miami Lakes
15201 N.W. 67th Ave.
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Bird Road
9495 S. W. 40th Street
Miami, FL 33165

Kendall
12905 N. Kendall Dr.
Miami, FL 33186

If you would like to help by donating food for South Florida families, you can contact Neighbors 4 Neighbors at (305) 597-4404.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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