WMMR Camp Out For Hunger continues this week amid plunging temperatures in Philadelphia region

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia is getting an early taste of winter.

Temperatures are below freezing on Tuesday morning as people are waking up across our area.

People out and about in Center City wore heavy coats, gloves, and even hats and scarves to keep warm Monday night.

The cold also comes as WMMR holds its 28th annual Camp Out for Hunger fundraiser this week.

WMMR's Preston and Steve are broadcasting live from the parking lot of XFinity Mobile Arena all week, and say people come out to support this important cause, regardless of the weather.

In fact, they've seen worse conditions over the last two decades.

"We've had everything. We've had blizzards. We've had trucks stuck in ice. We've had horrible cold, crazy wind. Brutal, brutal. We were sleeping in electric heaters in our first RV that literally put, like, Belgian Waffle prints on our faces," said Steve Morrison.

"I think a little bit of cold actually helps people realize the gravity of how serious food insecurity can be, especially around the holidays. And then the weather turns colder, and people have to worry about, 'Do I pay for heat or do I pay to feed my family?'" said Preston Elliot.

Year after year, Preston and Steve join forces with Philabundance to collect food donations for communities in our area facing food insecurity.

"It is a fact - Philabundance, and no equivocation - is hurting in a major way. A lot more people coming to collect food," Morrison said.

Food insecurity is a year-round issue and comes regardless of the weather.

People have to make tough choices between paying for food and paying their heating bills.

"There's been some cutbacks with government funding for Philabundance, and they've had some staff shortages, and that has not helped. And the news lately with government shutdowns and SNAP benefits, and everyone's on edge with how they're going to make ends meet," Elliot added.

The Camp Out for Hunger will take place each day this week through Friday. It is free and family-friendly. Bring some food, bundle up, and come show your support.