Officials at the Bishop Jean Williams Food Pantry in Bridgeport say a surge in local need and shrinking federal support have pushed the facility into a critical crisis.

Board member Peter Mitchell warns that soaring demand and plummeting government aid may force the center to scale back its assistance for families this holiday season and beyond.

Longtime pantry visitor Lando Jackson says high food and fuel costs make weekly pantry support essential for putting meals on the table in his house.

The nonprofit is now urgently turning to private donors and financial contributions to keep its shelves stocked as Thanksgiving approaches.