Food bank president Dave Ritchie said volunteers gave out 97 bags of groceries -- 40 more than usual.

"It's possibly because people are spending money on Christmas presents for their kids and they end up not having enough for groceries," explains Ritchie. More than 40 five-pound Christmas hams were given out the same day.

The increase in need isn't new.

The bi-monthly food bank has seen a 10 per cent increase in regular clients over the past year.

"It's important to give to the food bank because we feed a lot of children," said Ritchie, adding of the 300 regular clients, he estimates 200 are children.

Although the food bank's shelves are half full, Ritchie said the food won't last long.

"It's been a little slow so far this season and we're hoping (the donations) will pick up."

Unlike the food bank, the demand for Salvation Army Christmas hampers is comparable to other years, said director of community development Maj. Karen Hoeft.

"There are 370 families and it continues to grow as we speak."

Food donations aren't as critical to the success of the hampers because families are adopted out to local organizations, businesses and residents.

For the Yellowknife Food Bank, Christmas parties, fund raisers and corporate donations over the past month have amounted to over 2,800 pounds of food and over $7,500 in cash.

But Ritchie said most of the food will be gone by January.

They don't want to be in the same situation as the Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank in Iqaluit, which closed last weekend because its shelves were empty.

Foods high in protein, like cheese, canned meats, peanut butter and powdered milk, are most needed. Money is also welcome.

People wishing to make a cash donation to the Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank can leave the marked donation at the Yellowknife Food Bank.

To make a local donation visit the drop boxes at Extra Foods and the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op.