The economy has affected the lives of many in Dawson County, and according to Doris Cook a growing need in the community has been addressed: hunger.

Cook, the resource manager for Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, recently met with RIC Rack, a local community food bank, to come up with a solution for the demand of food.

“There is a daily rising demand for food and it is affecting folks that have never had to experience anything like this before,” Cook said.

“With an increase in unemployment, RIC Rack has more than tripled the number of families they are providing for this year,” she added.

Beginning this week, collaborative efforts between Cook and RIC Rack have started a community wide food drive for the months of April and May in which all proceeds will go to to the local food bank.

Cook said that the food drive will be a continuation of what Appalachian Community Bank started in March when more than 2,000 cans were collected through the help of the community.

“This campaign will allow them (RIC Rack) to continue to assist families through the summer months,” said Cook.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to donate and help fellow residents going through difficult times.

“With the conditions of the economy, we are always in need of food to provide to the people of Dawson County who need it,” said Priscilla Taylor, media relations representative of RIC Rack.

“Since our numbers have increased, this is an eminent time for a good drive. It is of the utmost importance to us to maintain a sufficient food supply,” Taylor added.

Drop off points in the county during the food drive are Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Dawson County schools, Kroger and Appalachian Community Bank.

E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.