In hopes of filling the tables of Arkansans in need, Channel 7 is kicking off the 3rd Annual Spirit of Giving Food Drive. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will benefit from the week-long food drive. We have a long way to go to reach the 40,000 pounds of food desperately needed this holiday season.

The shelves are uncomfortably bare at the Arkansas Food Bank distribution center, and the statewide coordinator for the Spirit of Giving says she's never seen them look like this year.

Donations are down, but the numbers continue to rise. Now more than ever the publics help is needed.

(Michelle Shope, State Coordinator) "According to the USDA, Arkansas is third in hunger, and the number of families were serving is up--at least another 8,000 thousand people."

The goal of the Spirit of Giving Food Drive is to beat last years total of more than 13,000 pounds. So how can you help?

(Shope) “We are asking for shelf staple items--canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables--the staple items that make the biggest part of your meal."

The Spirit of Giving Food Drive runs through next Wednesday. Donations can be dropped off at U.S. Bank locations around Arkansas during normal business hours, or at KATV’s River Market studio from 7:00 until 10:00 a.m., and from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.

There will also be a donation drop off at the Little Rock Wal-Mart on Bowman Road this Saturday from 7:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m.

The food donated in the various cities stays within those cities.

For more information, click here.