A recent report from Food Banks Canada says demand for food hampers is down almost six per cent in the province.

But the local Salvation Army begs to differ.

"At our food bank, that's not the case," said Lisa Anstey, the group's community and family services co-ordinator.

"Just last week, we served 93 families in one day. So we're not seeing a decrease at all. We're seeing an increase. "

The charity is also experiencing a rise in the cost of feeding needy people in the St. John's area. Anstey says operating expenses have risen by 25 per cent.

As the group presses into the holidays, she hopes donations won't take a downturn this season, since the annual kettle drive is key to funding their food bank for the rest of the year.

"The hope is that the amount of money that people are giving won't decrease, that people will keep giving to the Salvation Army," Anstey said.

"Put your money into the kettles and we can put it where it's really needed in our community."

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army is busy packing gifts for children in St. John's.

Last year, volunteers logged more than ten thousand hours packing thousands of Christmas bags -- half of them presents for kids, the other half, food hampers for families.