With anticipation for the holiday season now increasing, so is the need for food in the East Mountains and Estancia Valley.

Area food pantries and mobile food banks are already preparing for the holiday season, where many estimate the need will far surpass previous years because of a tough economy.

Bethel Community Storehouse in Moriarty is planning for a 20 percent increase in food this year as a direct result of the economy, according to Executive Director Linda Smith.

She estimated that 2,500 families will receive food from Bethel during November and December.

"There's not just a need for nonperishable items but holiday foods such as turkeys and hams as well," Smith said. "Those wanting to donate can bring in items any time during store hours, and tax donation receipts are available."

Cash donations are also encouraged, Smith said, to meet the need as it gets closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

About 1,000 families will be served just for Thanksgiving, Smith estimated. Requirements for receiving food are proof of low or no income status or a referral, a picture ID and proof of residency.

"But we help the whole East Mountain and Estancia Valley area," Smith said. "We just need to make sure they qualify, and it seems like everybody does."

Bethel will have help this year in providing the extra food they need to meet the needs of area families.

Alco and the Moriarty Chamber of Commerce are holding "A Season of Giving" food drive. Canned and nonperishable food items will be collected at various businesses in Moriarty and Estancia from Nov. 23 to Dec. 6. Alco will match pound per pound all food collected. All items will be donated to Bethel Community Storehouse.

Bethel isn't the only place in the area trying to prepare for an increased need this holiday season.

In Estancia, the Teen Outreach Program gives a box of food to 50 families every month, but the need in the town is much greater than that, according to TOP Coordinator Jody Weidner.

"The need is there for 90 to 100 families, but we only have enough food for 50," Weidner said. "We depend totally on donations and we have no budget. Roughly our bill is $100 per month, and if we don't have enough, we have to out of our own pockets."

Many churches and mobile food pantries contacted in the area are worried there won't be enough food for a rising need.

"The last thing we want to do is turn anyone away," according to Janet Fedor, president of the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

The Estancia Valley Catholic Parish, comprised of four churches in Moriarty — Edgewood, Estancia and Tajique — feeds area families every month.

All the money and food is provided by parishioners, Fedor said.

"So far it's been working out really well." she said. "Everyone has been so supportive. But the need is great."

How to help

A wide range of agencies, businesses and organizations offer help in the East Mountain area. For a complete list of services, where to donate and where to get help, see page A3