Nearly 16% of people in Whitfield County are considered food insecure according to data shared by the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

For hundreds of families across the county, finding enough to eat has become a daily struggle.

“‘I just can’t feed my family. We’ve literally eaten our last meal,’” said Merrilyl Calfee, director of administrative services at the City of Refuge in Dalton. “I hear those comments on a regular basis, so there is a definite need.”

Brian Croft, director of development at Providence Ministries, said rising costs are driving the increase in need.

“We see hundreds of people weekly,” Croft said. “The cost of living is going up. The cost of groceries is going through the roof.”

Dalton Mayor Annalee Sams said the demand for food assistance continues throughout the yea

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