DENVER -- It’s a simple reality. Record gas prices have put a squeeze on already tight budgets.

Experts have found many Coloradans who have to fill their gas tanks on a regular basis have also turned to other resources for basic needs.

"Times are tough for more and more people," said Kevin Seggelke, president and CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies.

Seggelke told 7NEWS Friday they have distributed 20 percent more food to agencies compared to last year.

Seggelke attributes the rise mainly to more people struggling with increasing energy costs.

"If the money is fixed and the costs keep rising, more and more folks are falling into the gap where they need some help," Seggelke said.

The food bank estimates it will have distributed more than 25 million pounds of food this year.

Even as demand has increased, Seggelke said the food bank is also dealing with increased costs.

Food Bank of the Rockies has charted a 32.3 percent increase in food it purchases for distribution, according to Seggelke.

"Two things have happened, the price of food has gone up, and the cost of getting it to our food bank has gone up, so it's kind of a double whammy," Seggelke told 7NEWS reporter Lane Lyon.

To account for the increased costs, Seggelke said the organization will be seeking ways to raise $60,000 more for the next fiscal year.

7NEWS also learned more Coloradans are being more frugal when it comes to shopping for clothing and furniture.

Erick Martinez, district manager for ARC Thrift Store in Downtown Denver, said they’ve had an increase in traffic the past month.

"With gas prices unfortunately a lot higher than what we're used to we're kind of a destination now," Martinez said.

The secondhand store, which benefits people with developmental disabilities, said new faces are coming in and spending more per purchase.

"They're able to come here and make that dollar stretch," Martinez said.

Lanczie Powell is one of those customers.

"I come here because they have a lot of nice clothes, and I try to budget my money," Powell said. The mother of six children said the gas prices has her looking for deals – and leaving the car at home. "Because gas is so high I'd rather ride the bus," Powell said.