MIDDLE TWP- The Free Meal Center in Middle Twp. is looking to open Cape May County's first-ever daily soup kitchen in the upcoming months, but is now struggling to make a down payment to avoid being evicted.

Local realtor Douglas Jewell is hoping to provide food to hundreds of needy residents each day.

But that could all soon change, as the Free Meal Center is in last minute efforts to raise money for a down payment to prevent them from shutting down before they even open.

"By the terms of our contract, we need to come up with 50 thousand dollars by March 31st, otherwise we have to vacate the building April 1st. We do have a solid commitment from the 325 thousand dollars we need from the mortgage, however it hasn't arrived yet" says Douglas Jewell, Chairperson, Board of Directors, The Free Meal Center.

The Free Meal Center got the property in 2010, and has since begun renovating the entire place from top to bottom, hoping to officially open their doors in the upcoming months.

"This is a soup kitchen that will be open Monday through Friday for lunch, breakfast for Saturday and we are open to anyone who walks in the door. No questions asked, we won't even ask for their name" says Jewell.

Jewell says he believes they can get the $50,000 raised as a backup plan to prevent them from being evicted, but as of now they are still well short of their goal.

"My wife and I are realtors, were donating over 10 thousand dollars from realtor commission. Yesterday a donation came in for 5 thousand dollars so were still 35 thousand short of our goal by March 31st" says Jewell.

The Free Meal Center is hoping to feed up to 300 meals a day, but none of that will be possible if they don't meet their funds, which is why their asking for anyone who is willing to donate to please step forward.

"They can make their check out to the shore title company, and that way it will only be used when we go to closing and don't have to worry about throwing money down a hole. If we don't make it to closing, we'll mail their checks back" says Jewell.

Anyone who is looking for more information or who is interested in donating can contact Douglas Jewell at 609-780-7129.