ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is partnering with Tioga Downs casino resort for their fourteenth annual turkey drive now through November 23rd.

On November 16th the food bank is hosting triple turkey Thursday where all donations will be tripled when donating through the food bank's website. 

Last year the food bank was able to distribute over 7,000 turkey meals thanks to the support of the community

With food prices increasing three point seven percent from this time last year it makes it even more challenging for families to put a holiday meal on the table.

"Right now families are really struggling in the area with the cost of food increases of course and the cost of living. They're struggling with holiday meals and putting food on the table, so all proceeds provide turkey dinners to families in the area," says annual fund manager Debbie Wheeler.

This year the food bank has received over 10,000 turkey requests compared to a little over 6,000 last year.

If you and your family are in need of food this holiday season the food bank of the southern tier has you covered with the process being simple. 

If people need food for Thanksgiving dinners they can go to local food pantries or go to food finder at foodbankst.org and it'll point you to the right pantry to go to in your area. 

Aside from the turkey drive you are able to donate to families in need when buying groceries.

"So when they go to Wegmans and do their grocery shopping and they go to the cashier line, the cashier can offer them to make a donation to the food bank in the amounts of two, three, and five dollars and those proceeds go to help hunger in the area as well."