According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 7 percent of Alabama households experienced hunger because they couldn’t afford food. Thanks to one local agency, some of those hungry can go home with a full stomach.

The Bosco Nutrition Center, sponsored by the Edmunite Missions, is helping the growing problem of hunger. The center has topped the 1.5 million mark of meals served since its founding in 1983, according to a recent release. The average number of people fed daily has doubled from 133 in 2005 to 251 in 2011. Serving 39,232 meals in 2005, the program has already served 76,959 meals in 2011.

Center director and cook Mary Ann Gayle, who has been serving meals since 1986, said the center serves more than 300 people a day, seven days a week.

“We still have new faces and new families,” Gayle said. “It’s wonderful because there’s a lot of people that don’t have jobs … are homeless and they need something to eat.”

From baked chicken and barbecue ribs to homemade dishes such as hamburger helper, chili and soups, Gayle said she and three other cooks — Jannice Rand, Julia Drain and Angela Olds, try to keep the menu fresh.

“We try to cook a lot of different things … we try to do a menu every day, and on the side we have soup,” Gayle said. “We try to do things to have you feeling warm inside.”

Funded through private donations from across the U.S., Bosco continues to provide hot meals for the hungry of Selma.

“Hungry children and elders have always been one of my greatest concerns,” said Fr. Richard Myhalyk, SSE, executive director of the Edmunite Missions, in a statement. “I am astonished with the ever growing needs in our community. As winter approaches and children are out on various school breaks, our daily meals served will swell to over 300.”

Open from 11:30 to 2 p.m., Gayle said the service is much needed.

“For a lot of people, this is the only meal they’ll get,” Gayle said. “You have to have patience, love and understanding to do this type of work. I always say, ‘thank god and thank the Edmunite Mission — nobody tops them.”

Boscoe is located inside the Edmunite Center of Hope, located at 1107 Griffin St. (behind Church’s Chicken). To help the cause, send donations to Edmunite Missions, 1428 Broad St., Selma, Ala. 36701.