Dennis White of the Commerce Food Pantry says the organization has seen a sizable increase in requests for food assistance in the past year. He says about 200 families per month are assisted. The Food Pantry (housed at the First Presbyterian Church) is one of the organizations that receives funding from the charity organization Commerce Community Cares. Dennis says the Food Pantry has started offering cooking classes to its clients. Dick Latson, a member of Commerce Community Cares, says the current fund raising drive will continue until October. The goal is to raise $27,500.