BAZETTA — Just days before Thanksgiving, the Warren Family Mission held a crucial food giveaway for locals in need. The scene at Trumbull County Fairgrounds was eye-opening, with 200 cars lined up by 2:30 a.m. for an event starting at 10 a.m. “It was clear we needed to adapt our plan,” said Dominic Mararri, the mission’s public relations director. The sheriff’s department suggested they start early due to the traffic situation.
Food insecurity is a growing issue. Many families are struggling, especially since some have not had their SNAP benefits renewed. Mararri highlighted a noticeable demographic among those seeking help. “I noticed many cars had handicapped placards. It made me grateful for our health,” he remarked.
Volunteers worked hard to make the distribution efficient. The Second Harvest Food Bank made sure food was ready for hundreds of vehicles. “I jot down how many families each car is picking up for to streamline the process,” explained Jenn Frisco, the grants manager. The goal was to make it as easy as possible for families in need.
Greg Jones of the Warren Family Mission was a familiar face for many drivers. “I know a lot of these people. It’s nice for them to see someone they recognize,” he shared. Helping was not just about food; it was about community. “A big part of recovery is service work,” said John Daly from Safe Harbor Recovery LLC, who brought along 22 volunteers. Many of them had personal stories of struggles similar to those they were now helping.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in community support. A recent study showed that food insecurity in the U.S. has risen by nearly 10% over the past year. Experts emphasize that community-driven solutions like these are crucial to bridge the gap for those struggling. Each turkey distributed wasn’t just a meal; it was a lifeline. By 10:22 a.m., just four of the 200 turkeys were left.
Mararri spoke about the spirit of the event. Seeing various groups work together to help those in need “warmed my heart,” he said. As Thanksgiving approaches, this spirit of giving reminds us all that we can make a difference—one meal at a time.
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