The number of people relying on food banks continues to grow in Windsor and Essex County and across the entire province.

At Windsor’s Downtown Mission, demand has increased over the last six months, but there's been a drop in donations. The mission is asking residents to dig deep to help those less fortunate this holiday season

A newly released report says 375,000 people use Ontario food banks every month, about a third of them children.  The downtown mission says many single moms walk through their doors and they need more help.

“Families, couples or individuals will get between three and five days’ worth of food,” says Mary Jo Kovacs, food room supervisor for the downtown mission. “That's a lot of food we have to supply.”

Some staples like peanut butter and canned meats are badly needed.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks recently released its 2013 hunger report. Among its findings, one of the fastest growing populations of food bank users is post-secondary students and recent graduates. No surprise too many students who say it’s hard to make ends meet.

“Even working during the school year, it pretty much gives me enough to pay rent,” says student Samie Bauder. “I still dip into my loan for food.”

Iona College runs a hunger relief program for University of Windsor students. About 600 access the food bank each year. 

“A lot are waiting for OSAP... they’re panicky,” says Sandi Rose, office manager at Iona College.”Tthere is a need especially when money starts to run out.”

While supplies are a bit low right now this is also the time of year when many local groups, including schools and churches hold food drives. The downtown mission expects a big increase in donations over the next few weeks as a result.