Even with relief at the gas pump, many of your neighbors are still struggling to put food on the table.

According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Marketbasket Survey, the total cost of 12 food items needed to host a summer cookout for 10 people was $75.50, an increase of 7.5% from last year's state average and the highest total since the survey began in 2013.

Increases of more than 20% for items such as ground beef, strawberries and vanilla ice cream are the primary drivers of the higher cost. Many other grocery items also are becoming more expensive, sending more people to their local food pantries to help make ends meet.

Sandi Soik of the Lakeshore Community Action Program Food Pantry says the pantry is ahead of last year's pace, when it served more than 6,300 people. With everything costing more, Soik says many families are looking for any way possible to keep the lights on and food on the table.

Soik says donations also are down so far this year. In addition, the pantry is receiving 75% less food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of budget cuts.

You can support Lakeshore CAP by dropping off food donations, making a financial contribution or participating in this weekend's Sunny Slope 5K in Egg Harbor. Click the link above for more information about the event.