MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As many of us prepare to make our Thanksgiving dinners, tens of thousands of people in our community have food on their mind, for a different reason - as they live with food insecurity. 

The holiday season is when food banks like Hunger Task Force tend to see the biggest number of people needing their services. CEO Matt King said they've seen a 30% increase in visits to the Hunger Task Force food pantries this year, "there's a tremendous need," he shared. He went on to say the issue is "huge. And in particular, childhood poverty in Milwaukee is really high. Amongst the top 5 highest in the nation."

Food insecurity is a year-round problem exacerbated now due to the longest government shutdown in history, as federal workers went unpaid. SNAP benefits also lapsed for the 42 million Americans who rely on the aid. As this happened right before the holidays, it played a large factor in higher numbers at the food pantry, "in just 2 weeks, we doubled numbers. And so it put tremendous strain on the emergency food system," said King. 

But as the number of people needing assistance grew, so did the generosity: "people are thankful for what they have and want to make sure everyone in our community has access to a holiday meal. It's really humbling and inspiring to see this community and how generous it really is," King shared.

That was showcased at CBS 58 and Hunger Task Force's drive-thru food drive last Friday, as you, our viewers, donated more than 700 turkeys and more than 31,000 pounds of food in just 12 hours. All of it went back to our community. King said it's a "very special part of our mission, making sure that everyone can gather with their loved one around the table and have a meal."

If you or someone you know needs a Thanksgiving meal, here are several sites you can go to on Thurs, Nov. 27 to get one for free. 

• Repairers of the Breach, 1335 W Vliet St.
  • 11:30am-1:00pm
• SVDP Crossroads Kitchen, 931 W Madison St.
  • 12:00-12:45pm
• SVDP Harambee Kitchen, 2600 N 2nd St.
  • 12:00-12:45pm
• St Ben’s Meal, 924 W State St.
  • 1:30pm

For help any time of the year, go to HungerTaskForce.org.