Second Harvest Food Bank volunteers and food recipients
Second Harvest Food Bank has distributed more than 12 million pounds of food to people in the Mahoning Valley so far in 2020.
"The pandemic has just eaten my family," said Tonya Huff who started using the food bank this year.
Huff is battling a complex pain syndrome which has put her out of work for years. When the pandemic hit, her husband was laid off. Tonya's son is diabetic so medication can get expensive.
"I'm either picking between my son's medication that he has to survive on or if I"m going to be able to cook," Huff said. "I have donated and I have received. So in the world of the pandemic, we all need to come together and we just have to think of the kindness in our heart to help other people."
Tonya says Second Harvest came to her rescue during the most challenging time her family has faced and says no one should be ashamed to ask for help.
"It's not going to diminish who you are or what you stand for," Huff said. "They're there for you."
Liza Gear receives food donations when they're delivered to her front door with the help of a local pastor.
"He always says, 'I'll always make sure that they see after you and make sure you have something," said Gear.
Liza's talking about Pastor Robert Faulkner with Third Christian Church otherwise known as Pastor Bob. He picks up food through Second Harvest donations for the community.
"Ministry is not only within the walls but it's outside the walls," Faulkner said. "If people are hungry and they need things, that's where we need to help."
It's just not the help of Pastor Bob alone. A group of members from Third Christian Church work hand in hand in delivering hundreds of people food items to their front door during this time of need.
"I just love doing what I do," said Veronica Howard with Third Christian Church. "I love seeing people's smile on their face."
"It's a blessing that we can give," said Faulkner. "The other blessing is that you can receive. More blessed to give than to receive... that's my motto."
Whether it be through donating or receiving, those involved with the Second Harvest Food Bank say the pandemic has put a bump in the road but caring for one another during this uncertain times prevails above anything else.
"Never feel that you're at the end of your rope. There's always somebody there for you. Always," Huff said.
