MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — For many children, summer break can mean losing access to meals they typically receive at school, increasing the need for food assistance across Milwaukee.

The Gathering, a local nonprofit that provides free, freshly prepared meals to people in need, is helping fill that gap.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined volunteers with the organization Wednesday after hearing about the increased demand for meals and the need for additional volunteers.

"Even in the short time that I've been here this morning, we have handed out hundreds and hundreds of meals, and again, these are volunteers who take from their own time to come down and make sure folks who are in need in their own community get fed," Johnson said. "The essentials of getting fed and having food in your stomach, the folks here at the gathering make happen day in and day out in this community, and I think they're saints for it."

Each week, The Gathering partners with five community organizations to expand its reach and provide meals to people across Milwaukee.