“If it wasn’t for this, I don’t know what I’d do…because I don’t have the money to buy it,” said Naomi, above.

MORGANTON, N.C. – The holidays are traditionally a time of feasting. But in recent months, simply having food to put on the table has become a challenge for many—something they can no longer afford.

For struggling families in Morganton, N.C., many of whom have lost jobs and been hit hard by the economy this year, the free groceries offered by the Outreach Center will make the difference between empty stomachs and full ones this holiday season.

As a widow with a fixed income, Naomi is acutely aware of the difficulty of putting food on the table. “If it wasn’t for this, I don’t know what I’d do…because I don’t have the money to buy it,” she said.

The Center is able to serve an average of 1,200 families every week—families just like Naomi’s—largely because of the supplies they receive from Operation Blessing.

“We see a lot of people come to the church for food because they cannot buy food for themselves,” said Glenn Biddix, the Center’s assistant director.

A volunteer helps an elderly recipient load groceries into her car. The Outreach Center serves about 1,200 struggling families every week.

“Operation Blessing has really been a blessing for us because they supply anywhere from 60-75 percent of our food items.”

With the unemployment rate in Morganton now over 14 percent, according to the Center, that support is needed more than ever now—especially for families like Mary’s.

Mary is diabetic and unable to work. Her husband lost his job several months ago, and now they are barely able to afford the medication she needs, let alone food for their family.

“I thank the Lord for this place, because I don’t know what I’d do if it wasn’t here,” Mary said. “If we didn’t get this, we’d hardly have anything. It’s awful to say, but it’s the truth.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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