The higher cost of groceries apparently is driving more people to food pantries in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

The executive director of the Community Food Banks of South Dakota, Matt Gassen, says food prices are higher for even the staples such as eggs and bread. He says higher gas prices also take a bite out of family budgets.

The Sioux Falls food pantry has helped 25 percent more people so far this year. In Rapid City, the increase is 21 percent over a year ago.

Gassen says the demand is as high as he's seen in the nine years he's worked for the Food Bank.