RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – On Tuesday, hundreds of people lined up at the Southside Community Center in Richmond with reusable Whole Foods bags in hand.
A food drive providing free groceries had to start early due to high demand. There was fresh produce and nonperishables, and participants were allowed two bags worth of groceries each.
“The cost of food has risen a little bit, and I think there’s a huge need in the city of Richmond,” said James Coleman, the CEO of nonprofit Community Access and Supportive Services.
Coleman said the government shutdown has also worsened the situation for families who rely on food assistance.
“Food stamps, perhaps, is going to be stopped for we don’t know how long, and I think this will give people a little bit to put in their pantry,” he said…