LEWISTON – Higher energy costs will put a squeeze on many household budgets this winter, which may leave many families with the difficult choice of keeping their family warm or keeping them fed.

The Good Shepherd Food Pantry feeds 2,500 people in the Lewiston/Auburn area each month, 70 percent of which are children under 12. Demand for services is expected to grow as the weather turns colder.

Residents may donate non-perishable food items to the food pantry. In particular, the pantry needs peanut butter, tuna fish, canned pasta, macaroni and cheese, soup, noodles, baby food and juice.

Donations may be dropped off at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, 430 Lisbon St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, or people may donate by participating in “Pack the Bus” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Shaw’s, 600 Center St., Auburn.

Cash donations are also welcome. With a $5 donation, the pantry can provide $60 in food. Cash donations may be directed to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, PO Box 7291, Lewiston, ME 04243-7291.

For more information, contact Joyce Gagnon at the pantry, 786-4909.