More than 600 residents from Linden, New Jersey, received turkey giveaways. Morning Star Christian Community Center (MSCCC) distributed the rations on Saturday, Nov. 20.
Volunteers give out sets of turkey a week before Thanksgiving Day as part of the 21st annual event. Everyone lined up at the front door with 30 volunteers serving them.
Seniors were allowed to access the back of the church, and most were able to hold their line for a maximum of five minutes.
Hundreds of reusable Shoprite bags containing turkeys, fruits, and vegetables were distributed early in the morning.
Christian Ministry Provides Hope
Tap Into Linden reported that the Christian ministry center runs the monthly distribution of food. Their annual event reportedly bears more importance to the community.
Christian ministry and food pantry leader Ida Williams shared that volunteers assisted in unloading a food bank truck on the hillside of New Jersey.
The remaining volunteers bagged the unloaded vegetables and fruits the following day. The ministry leader expressed that they cater to 3,000 people per month. Ever since the pandemic started, many experienced insufficiencies, she added.
Food Insecurity
According to New York University's School of Public Health, about 15 percent of families in the U.S. suffer from food insecurity. Online survey results showed 14.7 participants experienced low to deficient food security. The results increased to 17.5 from families with children.
The researchers surveyed more than 5,600 citizens across the country. They scouted participants from Instagram and Facebook during the pandemic.
As a solution, the researchers created an app called "Food2Share." The mobile app connects local restaurants to individuals who experience food insecurity.
Donors may use those restaurants to offer highly discounted rates or free food.
Provided Assistance
Thirteen News reported that more New Jersey residents experience food insecurity this year. The incident caused them to rely more on the food pantry.
Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of Food Bank in New Jersey, explained the need for food assistance this year. Around 800,000 residents struggle with food security including 200,000 children. The numbers will likely increase during this pandemic, he said.
Also, the pressure of food clauses and inflation increases the need for the foodbank. Families reportedly struggle at the local stores forcing them to pay four to 10 percent more for food alone.
Rodriguez further explained that the event can have a long-standing impact on individuals. Especially if people are already experiencing financial difficulties for the last 20 months, he added.
Pandemic also impacts food ingredients such as chickens, and roosters’ availability in the market. Rodriguez explained that they bought bulk and wholesale products to address the needs of the state. Thanks to the support of the food industries, the project reportedly progressed.
The foodbank also collaborated with the network of 800 organizations throughout the 15 county service areas.
Give Back to Community
Dr. Therman Evans, Pastor of MSCCC, stated, "it's always a tremendous blessing just to be able to do this."
Director of community relations Jacqueline Jenkins believed that getting things done allows people to line up anytime. The act itself is a form of blessing. Volunteers expressed that it was a blessing to give back to the community.
Aside from food drives, MSCCC offers weekly services, bible studies, and empowerment programs. Morning Star Christian Community aims to support and empower the residents of Linden.
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