VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - After picking up a new program to feed the community when the original soup kitchen closed, Lowndes Associated Ministries to People, known as LAMP is now expanding its mission to provide those services permanently.

“Lunch at LAMP” is serving nearly 175 individuals and families in the soup kitchen 5 days a week.

Cassie Reese “Lunch at LAMP” Supervisor said, “Even in the storms, it doesn’t matter. If there is a storm, they would ask me outside are you coming if it storms. I said yes of course.”

Reese was one of the first to volunteer when LAMP started feeding people after the Valdosta soup kitchen closed permanently in December 2023.

“When I went home after I saw everything happen. Mrs. Flanders asked me to think about it and said I’ll pray about it…God said feed my people," she said.

In one year, “Lunch at LAMP” has served over 30,000 meals to those in need. And thanks to community donors the dining area has gotten a full makeover and industrial kitchen supplies to increase their capacity.

Reese said, “When I don’t think there might be enough volunteers, God sends volunteers. When I don’t think there is anything except soup today, God sends more food. So I have to know God started it, God has kept it going, and God is going to keep it going.”

She said the need continues to grow for families and individuals facing food insecurity with the rising costs and access to meals. Now thanks to a $10,000 grant from Food Lion Charitable Foundation, Lunch at LAMP will be able to meet those needs throughout the year.

“This is essential. A lot of the families that come in are completely housed but they are still in need. This helps a lot.”

Yurshema Flanders, LAMP Executive Director said, “It’s very important that we have nutritious meals in the area and we’re just proud that we are able to contribute to Lowndes County in that effort.”

“Lunch at LAMP” is open to the community Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

LAMP is located at 714 Charlton St., Valdosta.

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