LAFAYETTE, (Ind.) WLFI -- Food Finders serves 16 counties and within that are 77,000 people with food insecurity. 24,000 of them are children.

The fall food drive was created to be a source of food as money becomes tighter during the colder, holiday season.

Food Finders gives out over 9 million pounds of food annually, serving 300 to 400 people a day.

Katy Bunder, CEO and President of Food Finders said while the food they receive through the year is often fresh and frozen, donated food for the drive should be boxed or canned.

“We need canned and boxed food but the most valuable things to us are canned protein and canned fruit. Those are two things that we just never get enough of. Another thing that we're always in need of is peanut butter, that's what our clients really want,” said Bunder.

She said the fall food drive relies heavily on donations from schools, businesses and other organizations.

“By having a large supply of donated food, we will hit the holiday season and the winter months in really good shape to meet the needs of those in our community that need our help,” said Bunder.

The top elementary, middle and high schools to donate will receive a $1,000 prize.

Monetary donations can be made on the Food Finders Website. You can also drop off goods at the pantry located at 1204 Greenbush Street Lafayette, IN 47904.