(The original phone number Don Kirkwood was incorrect. This story was updated July 28 to reflect the correction.)



Frisco Family Services is asking for the public's help to stock 60,000 pounds of food in its food pantry from July through September.



Last year, low donation rates and a 20 percent increase in food needs emptied the food pantry. To prevent that from happening this year, the organization is seeking non-perishable food donations and is opening for two Saturday donation days from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 and Sept. 13.



Frisco Family Services saw more people, nearly 4,000, visiting the food pantry last year, which contributed to the food shortage in the pantry, marketing coordinator Cynthia Allen said.



"We also realized that it takes more food to really feed and nourish a family, so we've actually upped our allotment for each family," Allen said.



Over the last several years, Collin County residents have experienced an increase in food insecurity, which the USDA defines as not having enough food for an active and healthy lifestyle. Food insecurity rates rose from 14.1 percent in 2009 to 15.3 percent in 2012, according to Feeding America.



Frisco Family Services relies on Frisco ISD's food drives throughout the school year for the majority of food donations. With school out and more children eating at home, the food pantry often sees a decrease in food supplies.



Those who want to donate can drop items off on the Saturday donation days or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays at 9085 Dogwood St.



Groups or individuals who want to host a food drive can contact food pantry manager Don Kirkwood at 972-335-9495 or at [email protected].



Food pantry items needed



Non-perishable food:



Peanut butter



Jelly



Sandwich bread, white or wheat



Canned pasta meals (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)



Boxed meal helpers (Hamburger Helper, etc.)



Boxed macaroni and cheese



Children's cereal



Fruit cups



Fruit juices (small boxes or pouched)



Ramen noodles



Bagged beans



Flour (5 lb. bag or smaller)



Cooking oils (48 oz. size or smaller)



Snacks (popcorn, granola bars, etc.)



Saltine crackers



Condiments



Baking mixes



Baby items:



Size 4 and size 5 diapers



Baby formula



Boxed baby cereal



Personal hygiene products:



Toothbrushes



Deodorant



Shampoo



Bar soap



Body wash



Household care items:



Laundry detergent



Household cleaners



Dishwashing liquids (small containers)