Frisco Family Services Food Pantry, the only food pantry in Frisco, is half empty and in need of replenishing.

The pantry has set a goal of collecting 60,000 pounds of food in October in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Organizers are calling on individuals, families, companies, churches and other groups to donate food.

"Hunger and food insecurity are realities for many in Frisco and Frisco ISD, which serves parts of Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney and Plano," said Marketing Coordinator Cynthia Allen. "In 2013, more than 463,000 pounds of healthy food was distributed at no cost to neighbors in need."

Allen said the lack of food is because of a 20 percent increase in the number of clients within the past year. The pantry serves 3,200 clients each year.

"We moved our food pantry to its new location at Main and Dogwood a year ago," Allen said. "Because of its more visible location, more people know about the pantry and the services Frisco Family Services provides."

Allen said the ramifications from the economic collapse are also a factor.

"Some of our clients got new jobs, but are being paid less than previously," she said. "They are able to pay the rent or mortgage, but still have a need for food and are on the threshold of a financial crisis."

The food pantry distributes more than 40,000 pounds of food each month and will see an increase in demand during the upcoming holiday season.

Visit www.friscofamilyservices.org or call 972-335-9495 for more information.

How to help:

Drop off donated food at the pantry, 9085 Dogwood St.

Mon.—Tue. and Thu. 9 a.m.—5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.—6 p.m.

Special Saturday donation dates: Oct. 12 and 19, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Frisco Family Services cannot accept bulk, expired or open items, and encourages all food donations, no matter the size.

Needed items include:

Peanut butter

Jelly

Canned pasta meals

Boxed meal helpers

Boxed mac and cheese

Children's cereals

Fruit cups

Fruit juice boxes or pouches

Flour

Cooking oils (48 ounce or smaller)

Snack items (popcorn, granola bars, etc.)

Sliced sandwich bread

Saltine crackers

Condiments

Baking mixes

Laundry detergent

Size 4 and 5 diapers

Body wash

Shampoo