ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The United Way of St. Joseph County is holding a food drive in downtown South Bend to support People Gotta Eat.

The food drive will be November 9 from 7 -9:30 a.m. at the Jon Hunt Memorial Plaza, 211 N. Michigan.

People Gotta Eat is a coalition of small neighborhood based food pantries supported by the United Way.

"Right now, our partners are seeing historically high numbers of people seeking food assistance, while pantries are also struggling to keep up with the demand as they manage higher costs," said Emily Rupchock, United Way's Director of Community Engagement who oversees the People Gotta Eat initiative.

Donations needed include:

GRAINS
Whole grain cereal
Oatmeal
Brown or wild rice
Whole grain pasta
Quinoa or couscous
Crackers
Popcorn
Tortilla shells
Granola bars
Flour

PROTEIN
Canned fish/ chicken
Peanut or nut butter
Canned beans (low sodium)
Lightly salted or unsalted nuts/ seeds
Dried beans, lentils, peas

FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Canned fruit (low or no added sugar)
Dried fruit
Applesauce
100% fruit juice
100% vegetable juice
Canned vegetables
Canned tomatoes/ sauce
Pasta sauce
Salsa

KITCHEN STAPLES
Vegetable, olive or canola oil
Dried herbs & spices
100% fruit spread
Soups, stews or chili (low sodium)
Broth or stock (low sodium)
Salad dressing

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Toilet paper
Toothpaste
Paper towels
Soap/ body wash
Shampoo/ conditioner
Feminine hygiene products
Ethnic hair products
Diapers
Formula