A new report released today by the Food Bank for New York City shows the need is still there when it comes to food pantries and soup kitchens.

The findings in the report indicate that over the last two years food pantries and soup kitchens have been busier than ever and that the supply is not as high as the demand. The cause for the continued rise in the number of people coming to food pantries the group says dates back to the SNAP benefit cuts that were made in 2013.

Since then, researchers say 116 million meals have been lost, forcing people to turn to the food banks. But they say many food banks are mainly run by volunteers.

The report indicates because of the increase in people who rely on food pantries, many have had to increase their hours and some have even been forced to turn away hungry New Yorkers.

Although many of the percentages have slightly gone down since last year researchers credit a onetime allocation of $2 million in federal funding which they say, has now run out. Fortunately though, officials say there are plenty of places to volunteer and or drop off food at local pantries.