A growing number of Central Kitsap residents were served by the Central Kitsap Food Bank in February, in numbers recently released.

“Following an established trend, the number of neighbors in need of additional food resources continues to grow,” said Central Kitsap Food Bank Executive Director Hoyt Burrows.

More than 1,200 individuals from 376 local Central Kitsap households were served in February, representing an increase of 54 percent over the number of those served in February 2007, according to Burrows. The volume of foodstuffs provided totaled more than 31,000 pounds, compared to just more than 23,000 last year in February.

The food bank, in operation since 1989, is located at 3790 Anderson Hill Road in Silverdale. In February, its staffing was comprised of 49 volunteers and three staff personnel. Volunteer hours in February totaled 726, an increase of 20 percent compared to last February.

“Thank goodness for our growing corps of volunteers and community support,” Burrows said, adding that volunteers are always needed.

For more information on volunteering, call the the food bank at (360)692-9818.