Renton Salvation Army Capt. Terry Masango estimates use at the Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank increases 10 to 15 percent during the summer months.

“Generally, it goes up in the summer while the kids are at home,” he says.

And that increase is on top of the increase the food bank is experiencing due to what Masango calls the “harsh economic environment.”

The food bank has experienced a 66-percent increase in families served since January 2007. As of the end of May, the food bank was doling out food to 1,500 families a month. That’s up from 950 families a month in 2006.

The food bank may get some relief this summer from the increased free lunch sites for children. Renton Salvation Army helped with that program last year.

“It’s needed and I applaud Renton School District for doing that,” Masango says of the summer food program.

But despite the increased sites, Masango says the food bank will still feel an increased demand this summer.

“Kids are getting a wonderful breakfast and lunch; but parents still come to us for dinner,” he says.

Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank needs food and money donations. Rice is especially needed. The food bank is at 206 S. Tobin St. Call 425-255-5969. The mailing address is PO Box 977, Renton, WA 98057.