Advocates for the needy in Ohio say as the economic crisis drags on, they fear not only for populations they work with, but for the charities and agencies that help them. In Fairfield County, one agency says it still has resources that allow it to take its mission on the road.

Job cuts and soaring prices are straining the budgets and workloads of local churches and groups that help Ohio families living in poverty.

This year has brought lob losses, budget cuts and rising bills. And some people are finding it hard to be thankful. Last year, Ohio Public Radio’s Karen Kasler went to a Columbus food pantry just before Thanksgiving. She went back to find out how clients and volunteers are holding up going into the holiday season.

Donations are down and food is running out at Ohio food banks. Religious and anti-hunger advocates are not just looking for canned donations, but also for some charitable action from the Senate. Religious groups have always weighed in on the food stamp program, but this time they are linking farm policies to poverty, nutrition and environmentalism. Senate Democrats are trying to bring the bill back to the floor this week.

Area foodbank officials will meet today to consider whether to spend some of next year’s allocated funds to re-stock emergency foodshelves now. Pantries and foodbanks in Central Ohio say increasing demand for food has depleted supplies.

During these dark winter days, Ohio Governor Strickland is thinking about summer. His office is launching a new program, Feed Ohio, to boost summer food services for children during the summer.

A tough job market, high gas prices and the rising price of groceries have brought more and more people to Ohio’s food banks and pantries, especially in the days before the Thanksgiving holiday.