A can of tuna fish or containers of peanut butter and jelly could make the difference between a family going hungry or having full stomachs. Over the coming weeks, residents who donate food to the Baptist Church of Warren will be doing twice as much good. During the months of March and April, the Feinstein Foundation will donate $1 for every nonperishable item donated. In addition, every monetary donation will be matched dollar for dollar.

"We welcome either money or goods. We buy about 90 percent of our food," said church secretary Priscilla Drummond.

The church pantry has been operating for about 25 years. With times getting tough, workers have seen an increase in demand recently — in January alone, the pantry provided food for 69 people.

"A lot of new people are coming in, people who have never come in before," she said.

Donations of non-perishable items or money can be dropped off at the church office in the Guira Building behind the 407 Main St. church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and noon. All nonperishable items are welcome, but some of the staples always in demand are tuna fish, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and spaghetti sauce.

BY CINDY VANSCHALKWYK

cindyv@eastbaynewspapers.com