GALVESTON, Texas -- The demand for food aid in Galveston County has doubled since Hurricane Ike hit, prompting the opening of the county's first food bank, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Frances Milson of Texas City said raising her three great-grandchildren alone is hard financially. But it's doable, she said, thanks to help from food pantries.

"I just have to go around to several organizations, that I can, for help with the grandkids and the bills. It gets tough, but it's good. It's alright," she said.

Milson is among a growing number of families who need help to put food on the table. That's why the director of Gleanings From The Harvest Food Pantry said a certified food bank is desperately needed in Galveston County.

A building in Texas City on 4th Avenue at 7th Street is being renovated to soon be Galveston County's first food bank. Director Mark Davis said the space will allow larger quantities of fresh food to be available for more families hit hard by Hurricane Ike and the economy.

"It's just going to impact people's lives by having access to fresh meats, more healthy fruits and vegetables, and also juices … the sort of thing you normally don't get access to," Davis said.

Davis said volunteers have helped to restore the building and corporate donations are also coming in.

Visitors to Moody Gardens are taking part with the Tiny Tim Food Drive. Non-perishable food items donated are earmarked to go to Gleanings From the Harvest.

It's something Milson said she really appreciates.

"I just want to thank them for this," Milson said. "They put a lot of effort and hard work into this and all of us grandparents appreciate it."