Mountaineer Food Bank holds 20 mobile pantries across the state every month.
Today, on the eve of Thanksgiving — they were at Linda K. Epling Stadium in Beckley, where they served about 400 families.
They gave out a variety of shelf-stable foods (it’s soup season — so dried lentils and peas), meats, fresh produce and frozen cherries. They say it means a lot to be able to give back.
“The holidays put a little bit more pressure on family budgets. By being here we hope that we can free up some of that to help make their holidays extra special,” said director of community programs Laura Phillips. “It means that somebody’s gonna eat tonight and have a meal throughout the next month or two.”
Michael Howell says it’s important for him to do something like this.
“‘Cause I know it’s a lot of people out there in need,” the volunteer from Philly said. “Back home I give out to the homeless too. We go downtown; people really living on the streets — we give out food.”
It’s times like these that we can all use a helping hand, and that’s exactly what Mountaineer Food Bank has done, giving away food staples that we all can use to have a wonderful meal. Have a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Because a lot of people out there are hurting and just trying to survive.
“Just doing my thing, just giving back to the community; just making sure people in need that gets what they need for the holidays,” said Howell.
It’s a collaborative effort and in this holiday season and beyond that is everything.
“We’re just happy to be here, thankful for our volunteers and our partners who make this possible,” Phillips said.
* MFB is in real need of more volunteers, so if you have the time and schedule permitting… contact https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org/
