FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — In Community Harvest Food Bank's over 40 years of existence, they have never noticed the amount of need in the community as they did on Saturday's Helping Hands food distribution. Community Harvest Food Bank or CHFB has noticed that the need has been steadily rising fo r the past three years due to several contributing factors, including increasing bills and stagnant wages. Engagement Manager Adam Roby said the average number of families fed at one Saturday Helping Hands used to be 600 to 700. In February, 1,940 were helped. The record-breaking number this Saturday - 2,024 families. "Unfortunately, it's not surprising," Roby said. "We've been anticipating this, we've been prepping for this, and we're prepared for this... We don't have any reason to think that this trend won't continue." Preparing involves hiring more staff to coordinate programs and ensuring the food bank's initiatives, like Helping Hands and Community Cupboards, can continue to be sustained. Although more people are asking for food, the food bank has been able to keep up with demand. Roby said each family continues to receive its 50 pounds of nourishment with unlimited fresh produce and bakery items. But as summer looms around the corner, the food bank is expected to receive less help. "Summer is a slower time for us in terms of donations," Roby said. "We could really use the extra help on that front. We still get the retail donations, but churches, offices, anyone who can do food drives, we would really appreciate it." Roby listed a few ways residents can lend a hand: Volunteer: The need for food and volunteers spans beyond Allen County limits. Roby said CHFB is specifically in need of volunteers in its DeKalb, LaGrange, Steuben and counties. Volunteer jobs range from stocking shelves to decorating donation bags. Host a food drive: Roby said anyone can run their own food drive. The food bank is looking for canned goods, easy-to-prepare meals, and food to fit specific dietary preferences, like low sugar and low sodium. Grow produce: CHFB hosts the 'Grow a Row' program for residents to pick up free seeds and return to the food bank with tomatoes, beets and other fresh produce donations. Community Harvest Food Bank is located at 999 E. Tillman Rd. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. ...read more read less