LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Heat your home or feed your family -- it's a real decision many families are facing because of winter weather.

In Kentuckiana, more than 190,000 people are in need of food. 

"The need for food assistance has never been higher than it is right now," said Brian Riendeau, Executive Director of Dare to Care. The winter storm is making things worse. 

"You've got folks who are stuck in their homes, their kids, who might normally be getting their breakfast and lunch at school are now having to eat at home, that's drying down the food that that home has available," Riendeau explained.

Many families are getting help from food pantries during the cold weather while others will wait. 

"Next week when the schools reopen and the kids go back, there's going to be a rush to restock those shelves in homes," said Riendeau. "At the same time, those families are looking at the utility bills that are going to be coming in later this month and they're going to be find themselves forced to make a tough decision. Do I pay the bills or do I buy groceries for my family?" 

That is where Dare to Care will step in to make the decision easier. The organization provides food to 270 food banks and soup kitchens in Kentuckiana.

Riendeau says in addition to families in need, there are many families are on the brink of needing help, and the winter weather is pushing them over the edge. 

"All it takes is one domino in their lives to fall and they're going to find themselves in the situation where they can't pay the bills and buy groceries."

Dare to Care always needs donations, especially right now. "Our job, right now, job number one is to make sure our agencies are fully stocked with the food they need," said Riendeau.

If you need food assistance, call Dare to Care, they can help find the food bank that's closest to you at (502) 966-3821.

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