The economic downturn has forced more Canadians to turn to food banks and feeding programs. But a report from the Salvation Army says food donations are also down in many locations.

A survey of more than 130 Salvation Army staff across Canada found 72 per cent of respondents say demand for their food services has increased in the past year.

About 40 per cent of respondents say food donations have declined, while more than half reported pantries at locations that were at 60 per cent or lower capacity.

The Salvation Army isn't the only provider seeing greater demand.

Julie Brewster of the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank says demand has risen 40 per cent since September 2008.

She said there are a lot more single people coming through the door and notes an increase of double-income families with children using food bank services.

Brewster said the reason double-income families are coming for help is because many companies prevented layoffs by reducing people to part-time hours or job sharing.