MARIETTA, Ga. — A local nonprofit organization kicked off its summer lunch program Wednesday, but they are facing shortage issues.
The program only had one week’s worth of food in stock, and they need enough food to feed thousands of children for the next nine weeks.
Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach went to Must Ministries in Marietta, where they are struggling to keep the shelves filled.
Must Ministries donation center and warehouse have had a slow year. People who normally donate meals to the summer lunch program can’t because they are unable to afford the higher-priced groceries.
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For 27 years, Must Ministries has operated a summer lunch program feeding 6,000 children across seven metro-area counties.
This year, Marietta’s Must warehouse CEO Ike Reighhard said they have only one week’s worth of food.
“Gasoline prices. Price of food. Supply chain issues. All of these things (come) together to create a perfect storm,” said Reighhard.
It’s costing more to give to the cause, and one volunteer said it’s not just groceries that are needed.
“We have a dental kit and a wash kit, and there’s instructions on how to brush your teeth and instructions on how to wash,” Beverly Shihara said.
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Reighhard said they will need to distribute more than 500,000 lunches before the summer is over. But this year, some who have helped in the past need to help themselves.
“There were so many people who said, ‘I used to be someone who would come and contribute to MUST.’ Now they’re needing our services,” Reighhard said.
If you would like to donate, Must Ministries takes donations at their center on Field Parkway in Marietta.
They are accepting food items and complete bag lunches. You can also contribute to the summer lunch program here.
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