BRUNSWICK, Ga. – The Salvation Army in Brunswick, Georgia, has seen a sharp spike in the number of people it's helping to feed, which is putting a strain on the organization's resources.
Case worker Audrey Easterling said that based on conversations workers have had with clients, many of them are in a position where they’re having to choose between paying bills or buying food.
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She said the Salvation Army provided food for about 400 people in March, but so far in April, the organization has already fed 550 – nearly a 40 percent increase.
Easterling said a large number of the extra people are “first timers” and she's noticed many more are homeless.
She said when a homeless person comes in, the Salvation Army creates a special food bag for them that contains foods that can be prepared by someone without access to cooking supplies like pots, pans, stoves and utensils.
She also said she is seeing a lot more families, including children, coming in for help.
Easterling said that on a typical day, the Salvation Army would prepare a family bag that includes breakfast foods, plus items which can be prepared for several lunch and dinner meals, and something to drink, such as a tea mix.
But with the high demand, Easterling said that right now the organization can't provide breakfast items in the bags.
She said the organization is in “dire need” of donations. She said she is concerned that the number of people coming in will only go up, and the supply won’t be able to meet the demand.
To donate, call 912-265-9381 or go to the shelter address at 1624 Reynolds St., Brunswick, GA 31520. The shelter is open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to noon Friday.
