Despite the improving economy, hunger continues to be a problem in the Sacramento area.  Eileen Thomas heads up the River City Food Bank.  She says her organization serves about 5,000 people a month - a 20 percent jump from last year. 

Thomas said typically, when a community begins to move out of a recession, the need for emergency food declines, but that hasn't happened yet in the state capital:

"What's happened in Sacramento is that first of all, we're a little slow on recovery.  We haven't generated a lot of new jobs, and there are segments of the population that have spiraled into poverty and it's very, very difficult for them to get out," she said.

Thomas added that every fourth person who comes into the food bank is a child, and senior citizens are the fastest-growing group in need.

River City Food Bank is holding its 10th annual "empty bowls" fundraiser tonight and tomorrow.  Thomas says the hope is to raise $125,000. 

Visit the River City Food Bank site.