Where to get free meals amid Hurricane Helene recovery

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga (WSAV) – Chatham County has teamed up with local organizations to hand out food at several locations due to the number of residents without electricity.

Residents can stop by Memorial Stadium (101 John J. Scott Dr.) or L. Scott Stell Park (195 L. Scott Stell Park).

In partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and the United Way of the Coastal Empire, the county has handed out nearly 1,000 meal boxes consisting of items such as spaghetti and applesauce.

Now, until supplies run out, they're handing out hundreds of hot meals for residents in need.

Coastal Empire reels from Hurricane Helene: Over 60,000 in Chatham County still without power

At these locations, the county is also handing out 7-pound ice bags , limited to two per vehicle.

Chatham County is also providing food, in addition to charging and cooling services, at the following locations:

This comes from mass power outages across the Coastal Empire from Hurricane Helene's impact.

"Lots of people have lost power. We all know what it's like to be without power. Where is our next meal coming from, how are you going to cook it? I think the storm hit us a lot harder than any of us anticipated," said Laurie Humphries, the director of Volunteers and Events for the United Way. "So, to be able to come out and help those when you know exactly what that feels like is rewarding. People are happy to help. People are happy to give. Savannah is a very strong community and tight network in that way."

Humphries told WSAV that the decision to hand out meals was made late Sunday night because more than 50% of residents are still without power.