(Radio Iowa) – The Food Bank of Iowa is expected to release its latest demand figures this week for the 55 counties it serves statewide. Michelle Book, the non-profit’s C-E-O, says she expects another big boost in those needing a hand, based on several factors which are putting more pressure on families with already-tight budgets. The crisis in the Middle East is pushing up fuel prices, while Book says food prices are still high due to inflation.

A federal government shutdown was avoided a few weeks ago, but Book fears the continuing resolution only delayed the inevitable, with another shutdown looming now shortly before Thanksgiving. Programs that are vital to Iowans putting food on their tables — like WIC and SNAP — will face disruption or shutdowns themselves if the federal government closes down next month.