By Emma Jade, Local News 8 Reporter

IDAHO FALLS - In December 2008, more than twelve thousand jobs disappeared from Idaho's economy. Currently, six-percent of the state is unemployed. As a result, residents are having to turn to donations for help.

Volunteers at the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank have been extremely busy over the last year. With the failing economy, they've seen a fifty-percent increase of individuals visiting their food bank for help.

From 2007 to 2008, the number of referrals the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank received increased by forty-five percent, the number of individuals increased by fifty-three percent, and the number of boxes given out increased by forty-seven percent.

Volunteer Laurel Anne Redd blames the economy, "It really jumped dramatically in July when the gasoline got so expensive. That's a tough choice whether you're going to have food for your kids, or you're going to put gas in the automobile to go to work."

On Friday, the food bank opened for one hour. In that time, over thirty families came in for groceries and items to hold them over. Redd said they usually don't expect this many people until later on in the month. "As the fuel bills come in, and food stamps wander in, we see an increase in population. But thirty-five this early in the month is a lot of people," said Redd. "It's an indicator that it's going to be a real busy month."

Michael Socrates visits the food bank every six weeks. Socrates is having a hard time finding a job, and uses the food bank as a way to support his family. "The economy is really crappy right now. There are hardly any jobs or money," said Socrates.

However, the food bank should not be a permanent solution. It's a quick leg-up for families feeling the brunt of the recession. "We're not here to provide them with groceries for their families thirty days a month. We're here to give them enough of a boost that they can tie it over until they can find another job or get that medical bill paid," said Redd.

With the way the economy currently is, Redd and the other volunteers expect 2009 to be another busy year.

The food banks runs off of donations. If you would like to contribute, you can stop by during their business hours (4-5pm) or send donations to: Idaho Falls Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 2236, Idaho Falls ID 83403-2236.