BELTON, Texas — Helping Hands Ministry in Belton is dealing with what they call "unprecedented times," as more people from the community are showing up in need of free groceries.
On Thursday starting at 10 a.m., over 300 pre-registered community members in need of assistance will receive free food.
Over 600 people will take home their free groceries when the event wraps up.
"In just a year, we've gone up 47% in families that we serve," Bekah Prince, Director of Operations at Helping Hands Ministry, said.
With inflation, food shortages and the overall state of the economy, both the community and the pantry are stressed.
Some people showing up to the pantry are working two jobs and still can't afford to buy groceries.
"I go to three different pantries just to make sure I have food for my family each month," one woman receiving food said.
Many of those receiving food on Wednesday, the first day of the event, said they didn't have to resort to this a few months ago, but with living costs and more, they can't make ends meet.
With more mouths to feed comes a need for more groceries.
Alicia Jallah, the Executive Director of Helping Hands Ministry, said they're running out of certain foods.
"We want to feed everyone but with the shortages lately, it's getting hard," Jallah said.
But the organization continues to support the community, no matter what.
Jallah also mentioned how important their pantry is to the community. She said it helps everyone feel like they can "just shop."
The pantry allows people to come in and shop for the food they need, rather than just being handed a bag of food.
They can take their shopping carts and fulfill their grocery lists.
Jallah added that this pantry is not just one that provides food to the community during the holiday season.
"People have come here looking for books to give as Christmas presents," she said.
No matter what it is, the staff and volunteers always look forward to giving back.
The pantry will be closed for the next two weeks, but normal hours will resume on Jan. 3.
If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, you can find more information here.