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A food drive to help the hungry in Skagit Valley communities will be conducted Nov. 9-18 at Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores in Mount Vernon, Burlington and Stanwood.

Local food banks report steadily increasing requests for assistance as unemployment rises and the recession continues. Also, low-income families are hit harder by higher heating costs during fall and winter. Many food-bank clients are senior citizens or families with children.

“Skagit Valley households, organizations, businesses and schools have been generous in helping the food banks who serve so many people in our communities and we hope that will continue,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for Haggen stores.

Food banks are seeking canned food high in protein, canned fruit and any other non-perishable food items. Donors also may purchase pre-stuffed bags of groceries that include rice, pasta and soup for $5 apiece at Haggen stores.

All of the donated food will be distributed by local food banks.

The participating stores are:

• Burlington Haggen Food & Pharmacy, 757 Haggen Drive.
• Mount Vernon Haggen Food & Pharmacy, 2601 E. Division St.
• Stanwood Haggen Food & Pharmacy, 26603 72nd Ave. N.W.