Food banks across Volusia County are struggling to restock their supplies as more families impacted by Hurricane Irma keep coming through their doors.

  • Halifax Urban Ministries has helped at least 550 families since Irma
  • Group lost power for one week following storm, resulting in spoiled food
  • Group accepting donations to keep operating

Paul Humphrey proudly grabs his bag of food from the Halifax Urban Ministries, grateful after losing his food when he was without power from Hurricane Irma.

"I didn’t have ice to try to preserve the food that I had, so it all went to waste, so I’m so glad that HUM was here," said Humphrey.

Halifax Urban Ministries faced their own challenges following Irma, however. The organization lost power for a week after the storm, meaning spoiled food and less left on the shelves for the increase of people coming in for help.

"We have seen a big increase in the number of people that are in need of services not only food, but we also provide help with electric bills and rent," said Robin Lasky, Director of Development and Community Relations. "I think it’s affected everybody."

Since Irma, the organization has helped at least 550 families, and they’ve had restock the shelves with their "Feed-a-Family" bags of food at least three times. The Feed-a-Family bags contain enough food to feed a family for approximately one week.

"Our needs are, we are low on canned foods, we’re low on the baby food -- these are the things that we need because we have exhausted the things that we have," said Lasky.

Other food banks in Volusia and Flagler counties said they have also depleted their shelves, so they're depending on the community to fill up the space.

"Any help that we get -- I will tell you that we are very frugal -- we make sure that it goes along way," said Lasky.

Humphrey agrees it does go a long way.

"People who can and have extra, then they should donate," Humphrey said. "I just greatly appreciate what these people are doing for me."

The organization is accepting monetary donations as well food and clothes. To learn more about donating, visit their donation page online.