VALDOSTA — Those in need of food assistance now have another source to draw from. The River Oak Inter-tribal Community, in conjunction with the Alapaha River Band of Cherokees in Jennings, Fla., is working to bring free food to needy families in the South Georgia and North Florida region, said Glenn “Wolf” Kringle. Kringle is an elder in the River Oak Inter-tribal Community and is helping make pick-ups and deliveries to those in need of basic food assistance.

Kringle said he and others in the Inter-tribal Community are pooling their resources to reach out to families in need of food assistance.

He said there are a couple of basic forms to fill out, but those who need immediate help meeting their families’ nutritional needs can call him at 229-251-2421. “The hungry can’t always wait for you to get all the paperwork processed,” he said.”

Kringle and his wife Kim have been picking up and delivering food to needy families, getting them set up to receive regular food deliveries, and also getting referrals of others who are struggling to feed their families. Kringle not only makes use of America’s Second Harvest but has a network of local farmers and other providers with access to fresh produce and frozen food items so families don’t have to rely on canned and non-perishable items.

People can either pick up the food at their tribal grounds at 2077 Troupeville Road in Quitman, Ga., or call to work out delivery, he said.

“We’re here to serve the whole community, not just Native Americans,” he said.