A drive to stock the shelves of local food banks before winter will be conducted Oct. 15-21 at TOP Food & Drug stores.

Food banks report steadily increasing requests for assistance as the local population increases. Also, low-income families are hit proportionately harder by higher heating costs during fall and winter. Many food-bank clients are senior citizens or families with children.

Food banks are seeking canned protein, canned fruit and any other non-perishable food items.

Donors also may purchase pre-stuffed bags of groceries – full of essential items – at TOP Food stores for $5 apiece.

All of the donated food will be collected by a food bank in each store’s community.

To contact your nearest TOP Food store, visit www.Top-Foods.com.