Summer may not be the time when most folks think, "I'll donate to the food pantry." But with the number of families using Food Pantry of North Branford (FPNB) growing exponentially, current food donations are barely touching the shelves before they're out the door , said FPNB  co-founder Lynn Riordan.

"We knew this was going to happen in the summer, because donating just isn't top of mind," said Riordan. Riordan said she checked with Wendy Cowles, president of neighboring  Branford Food Pantry, and learned they're also taking in less donations this time of year.

But what's complicating the expected slump in donations at FPNB is a rise in demand that doesn't seem to be slowing down. The non-profit opened its doors June 6.

"Donations are down, and demand is up," said Riordan. "Just this past week, there were 17 new families that came in; so it just all of the sudden made the shelves seem very empty."

When FPNB opened in Northford just two months ago, organizers estimated about 30 families a week would seek assistance.  That number has more than doubled, and continues growing weekly, said Riordan.

"We currently have 63 families, which collectively is 168 people," she said. "It's all just word of mouth and now word is spreading. To get 17 families in one week, word is definitely spreading."

FPNB gives budget-stretching food staples to any North Branford resident who requests it. All that's required is proof of residency, brought to the pantry during hours of operation.

Donations of food can also be brought to the pantry on its three weekly days of operation.  Right now, FPNB is seeing a particular need to fill requests for fresh fruit, pasta sauce, canned meat and breakfast cereal, said Riordan.  Monetary contributions are also welcome to help purchase needed food.

Riordan said she's put the call out through FPNB's Facebook page and has already started receiving additional support from individuals and groups to bolster pantry supplies.  North Branford Youth Football, for example, will be collecting food at practice all week this week, she said.

"This is exactly what I was hoping to see; all the people in town, all of these clubs and different groups taking turns and helping out," said Riordan.

FPNB is accessible via a rear entrance of St. Andrew's at 1382 Middletown Avenue.  FPNB is open to residents each week for "shopping days" on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Fridays 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information, find The Food Pantry of North Branford on Facebook. To make a tax-deductible donation, mail checks to Food Pantry of North Branford, P.O. Box 403, North Branford CT 06471.