The Southern Connecticut chapter of HOPE Worldwide held its fourth annual Hoops for HOPE charity basketball tournament Saturday at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.

Over 30 players participated in the tournament. The goal was to raise $20,000 for the Thomas Merton Center, a soup kitchen and food bank based in Bridgeport, and HOPE Worldwide Global Mission Fund.

Organizers say due to the rising cost of food, the center has seen a record number of people seeking food assistance. Over the past year, they have seen a 30% increase in demand for food.

The HOPE Worldwide Global Mission Fund helps provide resources including food, medicine, blankets and generators to communities in need in over 60 countries.