The number of people using the Upper Room Food Bank in Charlottetown from February to May increased by seven per cent over the same period last year.

Food bank manager Mike MacDonald said the rise indicates the effects of the recession are clearly now being felt on P.E.I.

"The biggest thing that we're hearing from individuals is either the lack of work, being laid off or a cut in hours," MacDonald told CBC News Tuesday.

"So if they were receiving 40 hours, they may have had that cut in half. And also people that were expecting to be called back to work with some seasonal employment haven't received that call as of yet."

MacDonald is hoping the Tim Horton's food Drive later this month will help the food bank restock its supplies.