The Mansfield Salvation Army wrapped up a week-long series of giving away free meals to those in need on Friday.

The local Citadel has one of the longest running free meal programs in the area.

They serve the last full week, Monday through Friday, of each month.

The Mansfield Salvation Army also has seen an increase in the number of items being given away from its food pantry and more items are needed.

The Salvation Army has seen a 45 percent increase from its food pantry to date over last year and an 86 percent increase from the year before, so the demand for the food pantry has grown considerably, according to Mansfield Salvation Army Major Marcus Jugenheimer.

Families who do come in, receive a box of non-perishable food items and meat to last them for three days.