Hopewell, Va. (WRIC) -- The Hopewell Food Pantry reported a nearly 50% increase in clientele over the past three years. For most companies and businesses, increases are positive. For the food pantry, it signals the growing hunger crisis in Hopewell. “We've had 59 families today,” said board chairman Richard Commander. Commander has dedicated over a decade of service to the Hopewell Food Pantry and he said demand is higher than ever. With 16 freezers stocked to capacity, the pantry is now serving more than 20,000 clients each year. The rise in need has been particularly prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to inflation nationwide and has drastically changed the landscape of food insecurity in the community. Before the pandemic, the pantry recorded approximately 13,300 client visits -- that number has since nearly doubled. Clients receive a week’s worth of groceries three times a month, highlighting the vital role the pantry plays in supporting families. The Hopewell Food Pantry recently received a $25,000 donation from the L.B. Charitable Foundation, a crucial boost that comes as the need continues to escalate. Recent data from Feeding America shows that Hopewell has the second-highest rate of food insecurity in Central Virginia, trailing only Petersburg. Commander explains, “We serve about 400 individuals below 18 and 600 individuals between 19 and 64. The only thing we can do if money goes down is serve less food.” Thanks to the generous grant, the pantry will be able to maintain its current level of service, especially as the holiday season approaches. Clients with stable housing are served once a month, while those experiencing homelessness receive assistance weekly, he said. “They walk home with a cart full of food or maybe two carts full of food; they're like flabbergasted,” Commander said, reflecting on the impact of their support. Looking to donate food? For guidelines and information, visit the Hopewell Food Pantry's website.