The Jessamine County Food Bank's shelves are so low the director tells us she's now worried they won't be able to give much of a Christmas meal.

As the clock ticks closer to Christmas, what should be a full pantry for the holiday season - is nearly bare.

"I'm very concerned," said pantry director Ramona Lee, "as time goes by it just gets worse and worse."

Jessamine County Food Pantry works out of the Nicholasville Christian Christian Church, and is run by volunteers.

Over the past several months, the director says she's watched their supply dwindle.

Lee says they are in the situation because donations are down, and demand is up.

The number of people they serve has increased 20 percent from last year.

"Even though the economy is supposed to be picking up, were seeing more first time people that need food," Lee said.

Although they are purchasing turkey ham to give out to the nearly 500 families they serve, they still are in desperate need of donations in order to continue to help Jessamine County residents.

"They are full families that are embarrassed to be here quite frankly because they've never been in this situation before," Lee said, "So it's very concerning."

The pantry is looking mainly for monetary donations. But they will also gladly except non-perishables - especially pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, and food containing protein.

Donations can be brought to the church or the Jessamine County Library.

The Pantry can be reached by calling 859-885-4311.