KINGFIELD – As temperatures drop today, members of the United Methodist Church here will prepare for a “food and fuel” dinner to help the Economic Ministry meet more requests for assistance.

Funds from the chicken pot pie dinner at the church starting at 5 p.m. today will be given to the ministry.

In recent weeks there has been an increase in aid requests, including new applicants, said Crystal Cook, the ministry’s operations manager.

As if the costs of food and fuel weren’t high enough this winter, recent snowstorms have people struggling with the extra expense of plowing, she said.

Pressure for funds to assist needy people in the area “grew substantially last year and is continuing to climb in 2008.” Ministry staff identified many families who are experiencing difficulties meeting their food and fuel demands.

The United Methodist Economic Ministry serves the towns of Strong, Salem, Freeman, Kingfield and Carrabassett Valley. It operates a thrift store in Salem, and along with food assistance, has limited fuel assistance of 10 gallons per request, she said. Part of the money from the meal will refill the ministry’s oil tank.

The ministry also accepts donations and has a high demand for personal care items such as soap and paper products that cannot be purchased with food coupons, she said.

The ministry is seeking to raise $1,000 in matching funds to access a similar amount through Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Funds raised by the dinner will also help with that.

“This is not a Methodist problem. It is a mission for all people. We encourage all to help UMEM in its mission of service,” said the Rev. Marriott Churchill of the Kingfield church.