TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Second Harvest of the Big Bend is making sure nobody in our area goes hungry during these difficult times, one bag of food at a time.
With more people out of work and children home from school because of the COVID-19 crisis, there's been a sharp increase in people needing basic necessities, like food.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend held an emergency food distribution event at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Thursday, handing out 1,300 bags of food to help feed local families.
Hundreds of cars snaked around the parking lot waiting to get fresh produce and other groceries.
As schools remain closed and unemployment skyrockets due to the spread of COVID-19, many families facing unexpected financial hardships aren't sure where their next meal is coming from.
"What we have seen is unprecedented need," said Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend. "We are seeing people in our community who, two weeks ago, were safely employed. They were proud. They were able to provide for their families. Through no fault of their own, today they are unemployed and they don't know where their next meal is coming from."
"We see the diversity that is Tallahassee in this food line," said Curtis Richardson, Tallahassee city commissioner. "It's not just the low income, its not just one side of town or one ethnic group or one race. It is a diversity of people who are in need."
"It's just wonderful to see so many people that were able to help," said Donna Barber, a volunteer with Second Harvest. "It's a very positive experience and it's filling my heart with love."
Moving forward, Second Harvest of the Big Bend needs volunteers to help put together bags of food to feed local families.
Their goal is 4,000 bags of food per week in order to do eight direct distributions throughout the community, weekly.
ABC 27 is teaming up with Second Harvest to help get food to families through feeding hope, but we cannot do it alone.
On Friday, you can help by calling and making a donation from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
All you have to do is call (850)727-5207, and give what you can.
You can also donate right now at Second Harvest's website.
Together we can make sure all of our neighbors have a meal on the table.
