Prince George, B.C. - Last weekend The Salvation Army's mobile food service drew a larger-than-expected response, says pastor Bruce Kirk, as it attracted a total of 102 people.

That's about four times the amount expected for the first weekend it's been in effect. "I'm shocked at those numbers, honestly, because it was our first week in doing it," Kirk said Wednesday. "We thought we'd be starting off slow but it appears we're off to a sprint as soon as we hit the ground." Of the total, 36 people showed up on Saturday and 66 on Sunday.

Most were families while a fair number of seniors showed up -- and most if not all appeared to be in need of the service. "It just confirms to us more and more, go into the neighbourhoods, don't go into the downtown area," Kirk said.

Rather than setting up in the downtown area, the service goes out to the neighbourhoods, showing up on Saturdays and Sundays at four locations. In addition to hot meals, some bread and produce is provided as well, and patrons are welcome to bring Thermoses so they can take some soup back home with them. The service will continue for at least three months.

"And if it meets the need, we're certainly going to carry on," said Kirk. "But judging by our maiden voyage, we were bang on."