MARYSVILLE — During the summer months donations can be meager to local food banks as people tend to associate a greater need during the holiday season.

But according to the Marysville Food Bank Web site, “a family is no less hungry in July than they are at Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

The month of August brought 1,074 families to the Marysville Community Food Bank, that’s about 3,587 individuals and more than 52,000 pounds of food. “Last year we had about 20 percent fewer households,” said Joyce Zeigen, director. She attributes the increase to the elevated unemployment rate and sky-scraping gas prices.

In particular, the Marysville Community Food Bank could use canned goods and cereal right now. Zeigen said she hasn’t seen a lot of cereal on the shelves, and of the $6,000 a month spent on goods, cereal is one article not purchased, but valued by clients.

Other important, but often overlooked donations are toiletries. “People can barely buy food, they are low on toiletries,” said Zeigen.

If you wish to donate to the Marysville Community Food Bank, it is located at 6518 60th Dr. NE. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays and open the rest of the week

8-11 a.m., except Tuesdays when it’s open until noon. For more information go to www.marysvillecommunityfb.com.