One of the unseen effects of the recent economic crunch has been the shortages at food banks across the county. In the Cape, the Cape Coral Caring Center is feeling that crunch, too, struggling every day to keep its shelves stocked and people fed.

Hoping to aid in the ongoing struggle, the Cape Coral Community Foundation is partnering with the new Bonefish Grill on Pine Island Road to raise money for the food bank.

On Saturday, the foundation will throw a special fund-raising benefit for the Cape Coral Caring Center, where attendees will sample Bonefish’s entrees, signature sauces, appetizers and drinks, all while lending a hand to the community.

“This is something new,” said Beth Sanger, the Cape Coral Community Foundation’s executive director. “Bonefish is opening up and they contacted the foundation. They asked us to partner with them and be their charitable organization.”

Sanger said the event is part of the foundation’s mission to raise awareness for community organizations, especially for those in need. The foundation normally provides grants and scholarships to Cape non-profit organizations that have a positive impact on the community at large.

The Cape Coral Caring Center’s Executive Director Fred Cull said the foundation is very “generous,” and it has supported the efforts of the Cape Coral Caring Center “for years.”

Cull added that the center is twice as busy as it was last year, helping to feed families hit hard by the decline of the construction industry.

“We’ve been dealing mostly with young families in the construction industry,” Cull said. “These people are willing to work, they just can’t find any.”

Members of the community have been doing their part in keeping food on the center’s shelves, from residents bringing in two cans at a time, to churches donating food by the pound.

Still, it has not helped to keep the center’s shelves full.

“Our shelves are constantly empty,” Cull said. “But Cape Coral is a very generous community and they have always been good to us. Clubs and organizations have been helping out, too.”

According to Sanger, more than 70 people have already issued R.S.V.P.s for the fund-raiser. There are roughly 200 spots available.

Along with the opportunity to try some of Bonefish’s unique dishes, attendees will also have the chance to win some “stay-cation” packages including weekend getaways at Cape Harbour and the Hampton Inn.

“It’s going to be a great time,” Sanger said.

Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For more information, contact the Cape Coral Community Foundation at 542-5594. To make donation to the Cape Coral Caring Center, call 954-1927.