In the heartland of Iowa, there may not be scarcity of food, yet some still struggle with hunger in Ames.

It might not be the lack of food that causes hunger, but rather the lack of another important commodity — money.

The Mid-Iowa Community Action Food Pantry served more than 430 families between January and March this year, said Shelly Dilks, family development director.

From October to March, there has been a 30 percent increase in families coming to the food pantry since that same time period a year ago, Dilks said. Hunger is a steady problem, but because of recent economic problems, the pantry has seen the an increase in need, she said.

Despite lacking financial resources, there are many ways people can receive assistance to help feed themselves.

There are at least five food pantries in Ames alone and more in the surrounding communities. People who work at these food pantries say they serve hundreds of people a month.

Roy Hougen, coordinator of volunteer ministries at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave., works at the church’s food shelf. Haugen said the church serves 350 family units, which can range from individuals to large families each month.

“When people come to the food pantry, it isn’t because people are going hungry; it is because their income or resources don’t cover all their fees,” Haugen said. “People come here so they can pay rent and utilities.”

He said another problem he sees when people do not have enough money to buy food is that they do not eat a satisfactory diet, because fresh fruit and vegetables are more expensive than some food items that are not as nutritious.

Because most food pantries only allow families or individuals to come once a month or once every three months, there are also other resources for those who are struggling with hunger in Ames.

The government program Women, Infants and Children helps those who are financially eligible for food assistance.

The food pantry offers food vouchers people can use for perishable items, such as milk, meat and produce at local grocery stores.

Dilks said many people who are struggling with not having enough money for food should find out if they are eligible for food stamps, another program available to help those who need financial assistance to purchase food. It’s a resource she feels is underused.

Dilks said some families come to the food pantry when they are put in a new situation, such as being laid off. These families find themselves on the receiving end when, before, they have given to food pantries, she said.

For those people and for others who are coming to the food pantry for the first time, it can be a pretty intimidating experience, Dilks said.

“Our staff works to be very sensitive to that, and we try to find out what else is going on in their life so we can try to help them in all aspects,” she said.

Dilks said the thing she wishes people would realize is that hunger exists all year long, not just during holidays, which is when most food drives are held and when most donations are given.

“Hunger exists in every single community across the state of Iowa, and I would encourage people to open up their eyes to the needs,” she said.