Augusta, GA (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army Hope Center says they need some help.
The number of people they help has increased by 120%, they say, due to rising food insecurity and poverty.
Here’s what we can help you with:
As a result of serving 400 meals a day, we are consuming more than we can afford.
Major Jonathan Reimer says it will only get worse because of the cost.
“We have seen a huge increase in the number of people we serve at the Center of Hope. In fact, the number of people staying at our Center of Hope has almost doubled,” he said.
It’s been just since June.
Chef Lannis Fryer says the unexpected surge is driving up food costs and depleting pantries.
“Here, the biggest price increase is probably meat. Everything from ground beef to poultry to pork has gone up in price, so everything has roughly doubled in price,” he said.
Currently, the center plans to serve more than 140,000 meals over the next year.
“The most stressful part is not having enough of what we need, so we had to come up with a plan to figure out how to stretch things so we could feed everyone,” Fryer said. rice field.
The shelter is starting to get crowded and is nearing capacity.
Raymer said: But we are getting close to that number. “
We currently have 140-150 members.
“The goal is to meet with caseworkers within the first 24 to 48 hours of their first arrival to help these things happen and get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” he said. He said.
Many are not gone, and their fears are what comes in their peak season.
Raymer says food donations such as meat, protein, canned foods and non-perishable foods are in dire need.
If you’re interested in helping out, make a donation to either the Kroc Center, Family Store, or Center of Hope.
To volunteer, visit The Salvation Army.
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