Thanksgiving dinner. (SOURCE: PEXELS)

It’s a tough time for many in Nova Scotia looking to put food on the table ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Feed Nova Scotia says at least 17,000 people reach out to food banks for support every month.

Communications Director Karen Theriault tells our newsroom with the increased costs of living it’s going to be busy from now until the holidays.

“It’s just placing added pressure on people who were already deeply struggling,” Theriault says. “In the first quarter of this year alone. We saw twice as many people reaching out for help for the first time.”

She reminds us ahead of the long weekend all donations are welcome.

“Anytime that someone is looking to donate, just picture the kind of food that you would want to put on the table for yourself or for your family,” Theriault says.

“At Feed Nova Scotia, we’re distributing about half non-perishable food and the other half is fresh and frozen, perishable foods, like meat, dairy, produce, and so on. So really, you can’t go wrong if you’re thinking thoughtfully about good quality, nutritious food.”

Financial donations also give the food bank flexibility, allowing them to order in bulk, and stock up on their most needed items.

Theriault recommends reaching out if you need help. You can just dial 211, which will connect you to the nearest food bank.

One in every six households in Nova Scotia is food insecure.

**With files from Rylie Peacock.