VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - L.A.M.P. (Lowndes Associated Ministries to People) and local partners gathered together to meet growing needs as Thanksgiving food runs out early in Valdosta.

LAMP partnered with 20 churches and community organizations to feed families across Valdosta over the Thanksgiving holiday, but organizers say demand far outpaced supplies. Food was distributed at five locations around the city, yet several sites ran out of donations well before the day ended.

One distribution at West Hill Avenue Church of Christ ran out before noon, despite families lining up an hour before the official start time. “The West Hill Avenue Church of Christ location was already out of food by 12. There was a line before we even started at 11 — people had been waiting an hour just to make sure they got something,” said Yurshema Flanders, Executive Director of L.A.M.P.

Organizers report that the rush did not end with the holiday itself. Food is being claimed faster than expected, and volunteers are struggling to keep up with the continued need. With the next holiday season approaching, leaders warn that food insecurity in the community is rising quickly and will require sustained support from residents and partner organizations to prevent shortages.

L.A.M.P. and its partners say they will continue to coordinate distributions and assess needs.

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