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ATTLEBORO - It's become a sign of the times. The Friday night line outside St. Joseph's Food Cellar already stretches 20 feet, and more people are on the way.

Some come by car, but most are on foot or riding bicycles.

The line leads into the rectory basement, where those in need proceed to the ticket table to show their IDs before entering.

"I've got three kids, and my husband and I both have part-time jobs. It's hard to find work these days, so things like this are definitely a big help," lamented one woman who asked not to be identified. "It's sad that something as necessary as food has gotten to be so expensive. People can't afford to eat."

St. Joseph's Catholic Church has seen a spike in the number of people at its weekly food pantry over the past eight to 10 months, says Michael Hebert, who runs the pantry. The need is clear.

"I don't care if it's Christmas Day, we're open," Hebert said.

Pantry volunteer and former City Councilor John Davis said he expects the number of those who are struggling will continue to rise.

Last week, 104 bags were given away to 142 adults and 79 children.

Food cellar volunteers say they have also noticed more people coming from out of town.

"This is a really depressed area where a lot of people are in need," Davis said. "What's really great, though, is that so many people are willing to volunteer. It's a really great sign about the community."

The Food Cellar hands out one bag per person and each bag is filled with 12 or 13 items, including non-perishables like canned vegetables, pasta, and cereals, as well as meat, poultry, eggs, and bread.

The cellar even has small bottles of soaps and shampoos to distribute.

There are no specific requirements regarding employment or other qualifiers. Anyone in need is welcome, and everyone gets a bag.

The bag is meant to be supplemental, and is not intended to feed a family for an entire week. The pantry depends on its 35 to 40 volunteers each month and the donations they receive.

Hebert said bags of food often are dropped of at the church's Masses. The rest of the food is bought at the food bank in Boston and local stores, including Stop & Shop, Seabra, and even Panera using donated money.

"Donations are important," Hebert said. "They light the fire."

Not all volunteers are active members of St. Joseph's Church.

Richard Ayoun, of North Attleboro, has been volunteering at the Food Cellar for eight years and is a member of St. Mary's Church in North Attleboro.

Ayoun says he sees more people signing up every Friday.

"Some Fridays, the line goes down the street," he said.

The Food Cellar is open every Friday night from 5 to 7:30 p.m.