b'NAVIGATING CHANGEBridging the Need for FoodF or most people, what was once a normal routine has been pushed aside as the coronavirus impacts jobs, schools, and daily interactions. During that disruption, Living Bridges Ministry helped serve meals to families in need throughout Valdosta, Lowndes County.At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, LivingThats when Randy DeCoudres, co-ownerWith about 90 employees furloughed, Bridges Ministry established a grab-and-goof three successful restaurantsTheDeCoudres wanted to make sure their breakfast and lunch program. ProvidingSalty Snapper, Friends Grille + Bar, andfamilies had food. When local businesses meals twice a week on Monday andWoodstack BBQ Tavernentered thefound out about the family dinners, they Wednesday, a team of volunteers servedpicture.offered to sponsor a meal. 500 to 700 people each day.It was a perfect connection. Gunter wasChip OSteen, with OSteen Subaru, asked The first couple weeks, we were givingtrying to feed hundreds of people, andif he could sponsor a meal, DeCoudres out sandwiches to about 100 people, saysDeCoudres had the resources and timesays. I gave him a shout-out on social Darcy Gunter, co-founder of Living Bridgesavailable. media, and the next thing I know, we had Ministry. I knew the numbers would grow,over 60 people and businesses wanting to and I wanted to provide a hot mealatWith the states mandated restrictions onsponsor family meals.least part of the time. eating establishments, DeCoudres had one restaurant temporarily closed and twoFrom the overwhelming responses, As predicted, the numbers climbed quickly,offering only curbside service. DeCoudres was able to extend the meals to and Gunter knew she needed assistance. employees at other restaurants.I was providing daily family meals for I didnt have a kitchen big enough, and themy staff while they couldnt work, saysThe sponsorships were generating some numbers were starting to reach 300 eachDeCoudres. But I was also looking formoney, and I knew I wanted to do more day, she says.other ways to give back to the community. to help, he says. About that same time,Fighting Hunger: Dane Boruff, center, student director, at Park Avenue United Methodist Church is part of the volunteer team with Living Bridges Ministry20 SG MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020'