The sudden number of unemployed caught off guard from the COVID-19 pandemic is swelling the ranks of people at the Upper Darby Food Bank, writes Maria Panaritis for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

It’s seeing more people now, from all income levels, than it has in 30 years.

New arrivals show up with empty bags at the former Calvary Presbyterian Church. They are often crying, never thinking they’d be in this situation.

“That’s what we’re here for,” says Debbie Miller, a 67-year-old retired health care worker who has volunteered at the Food Bank for 30 years.

The Food Bank mostly served a handful of senior citizens a day, before COVID-19.  It was a handful of donated supplies each week as well.

Now several dozen people show up in masks for food on each of the four days the Food Bank operates. The number of donors is also growing.

Gloria Rocano, 52, was a nail salon worker from Ecuador before her non-essential workplace closed.

“I only have faith in God,” Rocano said in her native Spanish, “because none of us knows exactly when this will end.”

To donate, see the food bank’s Facebook page or call 610-853-2481.

Read more about the Upper Darby Food Bank here.