Hope Ministries in South Bend is expected to deliver around 750 meals today. That’s up slightly from last year, but lower than historic highs.
Hope Ministries is one of the biggest organizations in the area that deals with food insecurity. This year between meal deliveries and those served at their shelter they’ll feed nearly a thousand people for Thanksgiving.
Last year Hope Ministries delivered around 650 meals. In the past that number has topped 800, in the years when the recession hit the area hard.
Steve Matteson with Hope Ministries says he’s seen increases in recent years of individuals and companies pitching in during the non-holiday part of the year.
“We’re grateful for the help, the extra help, we get over the holidays but especially grateful for those who are able to help us with these same needs throughout the year.”
Matteson said they work with both the South Bend and Mishawaka Housing Authorities and with REAL Services to take the delivered meals where they’re needed most.