Despite a declaration by experts that the recession is over, area food pantries are seeing even more of a need by families for help.

Many food pantries say they are seeing twice as many people this year coming in compared to last year. At Penn Township, parents Amanda and Christopher Ludwick, have been visiting the pantry after losing their jobs.

Like many others, they didn't think they'd ever have to ask for help. Pantries say they are seeing all types of people coming in now.

“We have so many different kinds of people that we can't even tell you there's a stereotypic client anymore,” says Claire Coleman from Catholic Charities.

Most pantries say people have run out of unemployment benefits and the typical donations are running dry.

Although they don't turn people away, some pantries might have to cut back on their hours or offerings to stay open.

“People are coming off unemployment and so what they had to spend on food is no longer available,” says Keith Sarber from United Way 211. “It’s just a really, really critical situation.”

Also two of the area’s largest hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of uninsured patients.

For the past few years United Way has distributed free prescription drug discount cards. They are designed for those without health insurance but can used by people with insurance on drugs not covered by their company.

The discount ranges from up to 30 percent or even more.

The cards can be picked up by calling 211 or printing one out off the internet at www.myuw211.org.

Also to find out where the closest food pantry is call 211.