The soup is on and so is the demand for a hot meal.

Area soup kitchens are bracing for unprecedented turnouts as October typically brings cooler temperatures, higher utility bills and seasonal layoffs.

Carol Morgan, who leads the meal program at The Altar in Coeur d'Alene, said that church is already feeling the effects of what is expected to be an even tougher winter.

"Last week we had 187 in our dining room and that's the highest amount besides the holidays in the three and a half years we've been open," Morgan said. "What I think it is, is that people have had extra expenses with school starting. The heating bills also drive the numbers up."

Morgan said she's seeing people of all ages come in, but has noticed a particular increase with seniors.

"For anybody on a fixed income, it's getting tougher and tougher because the costs keep going up," she said, adding that people come from all over the county, not just the neighborhood or Coeur d'Alene.

Through a network of local churches, at least one soup kitchen is open every day of the week. There are about 15 in the area. One operated by Cherished Ones Ministries in Coeur d'Alene served about 10,000 meals last year.

"It takes a whole community to feed the community," Morgan said. "No one should go without."

Post Falls' Scott Corder, who has received a lift from local kitchens during recent months due to his construction job slowing down, said it was difficult to get help at first, but realizing there's people who want to assist helps.

"It was uncomfortable for me, but I needed to swallow my pride because it became a matter of surviving," he said. "It's nice to know there's help available when someone needs it. I hope I can give back someday."

Cheryl McGee, who runs the program at Life Way Church in Post Falls that averages about 30 people on Mondays, said there's generally someone new at dinner each week.

"It's not like you stand in line," she said. "You sit down and we serve you restaurant style. People need to know there is someplace to go to eat and not have to feel criticized. We've become a family, and some of them need that."

McGee said she believes the demand will be greater than ever this winter.

"I don't care what they say, the economy is not getting better," said.

McGee said there's typically a higher turnout at the end of the month when the paycheck is wearing off and the cupboards are about empty.

"That's when they need a little extra help," she said.

Even though they're called soup kitchens, many of the programs, including at The Altar and Life Way, offer a full meal.

"They're just like at home," Morgan said. "People like a real hearty meal; they want meat and potatoes."

Morgan said the church's food bank is also getting busier.

"We've been open four years and every year it's doubled in size," she said. "We're averaging between 85 and 100 food boxes each week."

Morgan said most soup kitchens and food banks can always use more donations and volunteers.

"It's a chance to connect with other volunteers and the community," she said.