Salvation Army of NE FL adds new lunch service due to coronavirus hardships

Jacksonville FL — In response to the likely increase in local families going through tough times due to coronavirus, the Salvation Army of Northeast Florida is adding a new service to help people get the food they need. They are adding a to go lunch service for anyone who needs a meal at their location on 140 North Davis Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Tami Gonyea, the director of social services, says the service runs from 11:30AM until noon.

“It’s definitely a need in the community”. Gonyea says.

She says they are taking in non-perishable food items in for the lunches.

“Snack-like foods like granola bars or fruit snacks, fruit cups, those would be more than welcome.” Gonyea says.

In addition to the new lunch service, Gonyea says they are seeing an increased demand for their dinner time meal services as well. On average they serve about 52 dinners per night, but over the last week, they have served about 70 dinners per night.

“That’s a big increase over 52 as an average.” Gonyea says.

Another item she says they are in need of is meat.

If you'd like to donate or help out you can contact them at SalvationArmyNEFL.org or call them at 904-356-8641.