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Not only are there noticeably more first-time clients, the timing of demand also has changed. "In the past you could count on the end of the month being a heavy week," said Eileen Thomas, executive director of River City Community Services. "Now, it's the middle of the month. It's the beginning of the month." Through June, nationwide food costs were up 5.3 percent over a year ago, according to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. The price spike was more dramatic on some items: Eggs up 40 percent, peanut butter up 17 percent and bread up 15 percent, to name a few. A recent Field Poll found that among households earning less than $20,000, 87 percent said they were cutting back on food, clothing or dining. For families struggling to pay the bills, a few hundred dollars worth of groceries can help provide a little breathing room. By 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, a line – dozens deep – had formed outside River City's midtown location in advance of its 11:30 a.m. opening. The queue included children, parents and grandparents. Staff members gave out hundreds of pounds of groceries but never seemed to make a dent in the line, Thomas said. When they closed the doors at 3 p.m. they had served 55 families. Other food banks also are seeing increasing need. Jim Toner, co-president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society Conference, which runs the St. Vincent DePaul Food Locker, said he's not sure if the increasing demand is the result of the economy or of more people knowing about the Carmichael food bank. The bottom line is a steady trend of more clients. So far, Toner said, his food locker is keeping up. Blake Young, chief executive officer and president of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, said his agency also is seeing more community need, but the food bank is equipped to handle it. "There definitely is an increase in people coming to our services, particularly new clients," Young said. He said the food bank sees all sorts of people, including those who have full-time jobs but nonetheless are having a hard time paying their bills. Young said his staff doesn't judge those lining up for food. "We feel if people are standing in line, they deserve food." About the writer: Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269. Recommend this story at Yahoo! Buzz: Buzz up! Christie Sims, left, and Xena Raedel, both 16, fill bags with food for clients. MICHAEL ALLEN JONES / mjones@sacbee.com Click on photo to enlarge Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Comments There are 12 comments posted so far. Below is a sampling of the latest comments. Add Your Comments | View All Comments eastmike at 12:04 PM PST Friday, August 1, 2008 wrote: Here is a link to Sacramento Food Bank http://www.sfbs.org/...more Declinedit at 11:43 AM PST Friday, August 1, 2008 wrote: From the script: ..."Jim Toner, co-president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society Conference,.... said ...more KingIII at 11:41 AM PST Friday, August 1, 2008 wrote: Hey moron neo-con-carney's out there. 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Eric Butts of Sacramento helps a friend with her cart after getting food at River City Community Services in midtown. MICHAEL ALLEN JONES / mjones@sacbee.com Click on photo to enlarge See additional images Top JobsEngineering Technician $44,568 ... ENVIRONMENTAL Acton Mickelson ... GOVERNMENT YOLO COUNTY ... HEALTHCARE Administrator ... ITVice President Technology First ... Kennel Attendant / Guest Services, ... Laboratory FT Grossing Technician ... MACHINIST SR. C N C 10 yrs. Min. ... Maintenance California State ... MANAGERS Seeking teams of ... 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