GEORGETOWN, Del.- Four years ago Vincent Perry of Sussex County lost his job.
"They just came in on a Friday and said, 'We don't need your service anymore,'" Perry said.
Perry said that was the day his life changed.
"I lost my bank accounts. I don't even have insurance. I don't have health insurance. I don't have anything right now," Perry said.
Perry is not alone.
A new Gallup poll ranks Delaware third in the nation for people who struggle to afford food, behind Mississippi and Alabama.
Bernice Edwards, the executive director for First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown, said she has seen an increase in need.
"We saw 121 families and of those, 80 were new that have never come through the doors for service before," Edwards said.
Last August, the pantry served 91 families. Of those, 55 were new.
The pantry offers a three-day food supply through its emergency services.
Not only do some people in Sussex County struggle to put food on the table, but they come to places like First State to help pay for their utilities, their mortgage or for shelter.
"The main thing now is if we can get people back to work, you're going to see people using us less for the emergency food," Edwards said.
Perry said he was able to get another job, but he's making half of what he did four years ago.
He said he has faith that the economy, and his life, will get better.
"I'm just thanking god that they do have places like this that can help people out and help us out. I'm very appreciative," Perry said.
If you or someone you know needs help, log onto www.firststatecaa.org.
Edwards said the agency welcomes donations such as toiletries, and healthy food items for those who suffer from diabetes or any other health issues.
(Photo: WBOC)
