By Eddie Quezada, News Channel 3 Reporter
equezada@kesq.com

INDIO - The economy continues to put a strain on families across the desert as well as local food banks.

 Thanksgiving is approaching and Martha's Village and Kitchen is asking for a little help. Every year, the organization gives out hot meals on Thanksgiving Day.

 But to hand out the anticipated 2,000 turkey dinners this year, they need the birds to supply that demand.

 "Normally we need 200 turkeys," said Claudia Castorena, "We so far have approximately 40. They're coming in little by little but we still are in need of more."

It comes at a time when people need more help than ever because of the economic recession.

"A lot more people are in need," she said, "and they're coming to Martha's for help. So the number of clients has increased at the same time that our donations have decreased."

The need for donations is year round. However, as the holidays approach that need is greater and with the economy the way it is, more and more people are relying on organizations like Martha's village and kitchen.

It's part of a bigger problem.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that last year 49-million people lived in 'food-insecure' homes, meaning they were uncertain or unable to provide food to all family members.

More than one-third were children.

Martha's Village and Kitchen is teaming up with Sunline transit for the Fill A Bus Food Drive so that no one will have to go hungry on Thanksgiving Day.

Find out more about pick-up location on our homepage.