In Lynchburg, a local organization is making a powerful impact by serving up hope one meal at a time. As the holiday season approaches, the need for food assistance is growing, and Lynchburg Daily Bread is stepping up to meet the challenge.

A new study shows hunger in Virginia has increased over 50% from 2021.

We’re told they have about one month’s-worth of food left.

Michelle Ayers owns Purple Door Gourmet Kitchen and Catering and plans on opening the location on the 900 block of Main Street.

Daily Bread says they served more than 500 Thanksgiving meals in 2020, and they prepared 700 servings this year because they anticipated a record-crowd of those in need.

The organization started serving carryout meals from its front door when the pandemic began.

They offered a special promotion for Customer Appreciation Day -- be one of the first 76 customers between noon and 3 p.m., and you’d get regular gas for $0.76 a gallon.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – One full year into the pandemic, we’re seeing COVID-19 take a major toll on food insecurity in our area. Delivering food is also the mission of Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg. Kris Shabestar, the executive director, said they set a personal record for serving vulnerable, homebound residents. One of the biggest reasons is because vulnerable residents have had to be socially distanced from their caregivers. The organizations say while there’s a need for vaccines, there’s an even greater need for food.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg Daily Bread continues to feed those who are less fortunate this holiday season. Staff and volunteers were busy Christmas Eve, serving hot meals including ham, pasta and veggies – as well as pizzas donated by Little Caesar’s. Jennifer McCarthy, Daily Bread’s resource coordinator, told 10 News they’re averaging about 300 carryout meals a day and expect to serve an extra hundred on Christmas Day. We serve as many meals as a person needs to take for themselves or for their family members or neighbors,” McCarthy said. Daily Bread also passed out donated toiletries to those in need.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Lynchburg Daily Bread has a new set of wheels to deliver fresh food to clients. On Tuesday, organizers didnt waste time using the new refrigerated van to pick up donated meat from Kroger. This is the fourth van for Lynchburg Daily Bread, but the first refrigerated one. So, were hugely grateful for the gift today thats going to make our work possible, said executive director Tracey Dixon. Kroger, the greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, Genworth and the Lynchburg Morning Rotary Club all donated to buy the van.