ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Some local food pantries receive thousands of dollars to help care for those less fortunate.

Members with the Crop Hunger Walk donated more than $7,000 to the Rockford Food Pantry Coalition this afternoon. The organization held a dessert appreciation event at Christ Methodist Church. The coalition is made up of 15 pantries from around the area.

David Jones, organizer, says, "The needs are growing and they have been over the last few years since the economic downturn and it’s a wonderful feeling that we all share and we are holding this thank you event for helping out as we have been able to do.”

Crop raised over $46,000 this year from their annual sponsorship walk.