SEATTLE -- A tough economy is making for even tougher times at local food banks which are being swamped by people who need help, including many who are reaching out for the first time.

Rick Jump says the shelves at the White Center Food Bank are emptying quickly.

"With the volume of people we're seeing, they'll be totally empty soon," he said.

A troubled economy, fewer donations, and many families seeking help for the first time have put a huge strain on the system of giving.

"I have never worried to the degree that I do right now," Jump said. "We're seeing unprecedented demand. Numbers are way, way up over what they have been and our inventories are way lower than what they have been in the past"

For Felicia Lovejoy, the White Center Food Bank is a lifeline.

"My boyfriend makes too much to get food stamps. It helps a lot," she said.

But now there's more food stamp help available. A dramatic relaxing of the eligibility rules went into effect on Wednesday.

The previous rules only allowed families at or below 130 percent of the poverty level to apply for the program. But now families at or below 200 percent of poverty level are also eligible.

For example, in the past an eligible family of four needed to make less than $26,900 a year to get food benefits. Now the family can make up to $42,400 a year. That can mean up to $600 a month in basic food assistance.

"I'm on social security and I make $1,350 a month, and I was told I made too much," said Rose Loveless.

But with the change in rules Loveless, on her fixed income, will have more money for groceries.

Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), an organization which helps low-income families, is rushing to get the word out to thousands of struggling families who could get a badly-needed financial shot in the arm.

"It's going to be the difference between homelessness and self-sufficiency, being able to hold their heads up," said Patti Ludwig.

With the change in food stamp eligibility, it's estimated another 23,000 families in the state could become a part of the program.

An average of nearly 580,000 people per month received food stamps in Washington from June through August, a 7 percent increase from the same period a year ago.