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Food is a fundamental part of everyday life.
Unfortunately, food is not easily accessible to everyone. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, those in need are in need now more than ever.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, Harmony Free Will Baptist Church will be giving out food boxes through drive thru at Hampton High School at 10 a.m. Traffic will be directed (full details, such as not lining up until the set time, are provided on the church’s website and Facebook page). There is no income requirement, nor do you have to be a family to receive food. No registration is necessary.
For the last two Saturdays, the church has given out 1200 food boxes (each), this Saturday being the third. This food distribution is part of the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which partners with local organizations, farms and ranches to provide locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables and dairy and meat products.
The church’s pastor, Brandon Young, said he is thankful for the opportunity the church has been given to help the community.
“It has been such a blessing seeing folks getting their needs met,” he said. “Our church truly enjoys being the body of Christ and serving and helping others. That’s what we are all about here at Harmony.”
Young said he believes this program is a great fit for the church, and hopes the program will be able to continue allowing them to serve the community.
Shannon Posada is a member of the church (she is also director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter), and has been working as a volunteer at these food distribution events. She described the reactions of food box recipients.
“People have been very, very, very thankful,” she said. “You can see the relief on people’s faces as they come through, knowing that they have food. The kids are like thank you, thank you. They knew without a shadow of a doubt that they had a meal for supper.”
Those working the food distribution included church members and volunteers who wore masks and practiced social distancing.
For more information, and for full details on procedures in place for the upcoming food distribution event, call 423-725-3338, go to www.harmonychurch.org, or check out their Facebook page.