As many people gear up for another year of school lunches, some families are worried they won’t be able to afford the basic groceries with all the other back to school expenses.

They’re turning to food banks for assistance, but many foods banks are struggling to meet the demand.

Local food banks are reporting a spike in use and don’t have nearly enough inventory to meet the demand.

“Usually you can hardly move in the stock room and right almost all the crates are empty,” said Frank Hogan, who volunteers at the Newmarket food pantry.

More than 1,000 people rely on the Newmarket food pantry every month and the food bank is in dire need of donations.

When donations drop, it gets expensive for food banks. The Newmarket food pantry has already spent close to $10,000 this summer in order to meet the demand.

“The summertime is the worst time for the lowest number of donations,” said Liz Light. “The food is at its lowest and the demand is at its highest.”

With a new school year starting next week, food banks across the region are preparing for even more people relying on their services.

“Many of our clients are coming in saying we don’t have as much money now and I’d like to have some food,” says Peter Sundborg with the Barrie food bank.

Becki Plaskitt is a mother of four and knows all too well how costly back to school shopping can be.

“There’s backpacks, shoes, clothing, supplies and even haircuts; It definitely adds up very quickly,” said Plaskitt, who donated school supplies to the food bank.

The Newmarket food pantry is also collecting school supplies and backpacks. The food pantry has already handed out 75 backpacks to families, but another 50 are still needed by next Tuesday.