The Outreach Center, a nonprofit relief agency based in N.C. and OBI partner, distributes food and other items to more than 1,000 people a week.

MORGANTON, N.C. – For some families, bare cupboards may mean going without a few meals.

For Holly Johnson, having empty shelves translates into thousands of people going without food.

As the executive director of The Outreach Center, a nonprofit relief agency based in North Carolina, Johnson distributes food and other items to more than 1,000 people a week.

During the past year, however, the center has seen a 38 percent increase in the need for assistance, making it tough for Johnson and other outreaches to keep up with the demand.

"Our food supply was getting really low," Johnson said.

Just as Johnson's warehouse shelves were nearly empty, a truckload of food arrived via Operation Blessing's Hunger Strike Force.

"That was an answer to our prayers," Johnson said. "Operation Blessing is helping us meet the needs of those who are hurting."

Families like Eugene, 29, his wife Crystal, 27, and their two children.

During the past year the center has seen a 38 percent increase in the need for assistance, making it tough to keep up with the demand.

Eugene works for a local factory and is also a volunteer fireman. Because of increasing food prices and other inflation, Crystal had to go back to work and put their children in day care.

Despite their efforts, the couple still did not have enough money to pay the bills and buy food. They even tried to apply for food stamps but were turned down because their combined income was just over the qualifying limit.

The family found help at The Outreach Center where they were given food, diapers, hygiene items and clothes.

"This really helps us out," Crystal said. "This has helped us save so much money on things I usually can't buy for my children."

Despite The Outreach Center's help, the demand for food and other assistance continues to grow as the local economy faces ongoing closings and rising food costs. Another factory recently shut down and laid off more than 500 people.

"It's a challenge to keep up with the needs in our area," Johnson said.

Operation Blessing is doing its part to help, delivering almost 1.5 million pounds of food and other product to The Outreach Center last year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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