IRVINE

Nora Caldwell is used to reaching out to those in need. Now she’s reaching out to those who have.

Volunteers who work at the emergency pantry of Families Forward told the director of community outreach Tuesday that they would not have enough food to give out next week.

“It’s fortunate that we’ve been able to provide up to this point,” Caldwell said. “We have seen a 50% increase in requests for food in the past 12 months.”

Caldwell said she is hopeful that groups, small businesses and corporations will offer to run food drives and make individual donations to the depleting supply line.

Last year, the nonprofit program put grocery bags stuffed with eggs, dry goods, canned food, fresh fruit and vegetables into the hands of 2,500 families.

Individuals who wish to make donations may drop food at the pantry in the city’s operations support facility at 6427 Oak Canyon. Groups that can hold food drives can call Families Forward at (949) 552-2727.