JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of families who have a tough time making ends meet now have big boxes of food at home, after one of the largest food distribution events in our area.
People started lining up as early as 6 a.m Saturday at the Gateway Town Center on the Northside to get the food.
More than 120,000 pounds of food was given away, and there was such a high demand that some people had to be turned away in the afternoon.
Chicken, ham, turkey, and fresh produce from Farm Share were just some of the items people got after waiting in line in the summer heat.
"It's a blessing because everything in the store is so high," said Coco Caldwell
The Nourishment Network has been holding food distribution events since July.
The nonprofit says they've given away about 4 1/2million pounds of free food this summer.
"I'm happy, I'm happy for this. I don't know what to do," said Brenda Simpkins.
Organizers say the Northside has been identified as one of Florida's worst food deserts, meaning it's an area where it's difficult for people to get food.
"One in six adults and one in four children in Florida are either hungry or food insecure. When you talk about a food desert that number jumps dramatically. You can see a lot of these people are working families. They just can't make ends meet," said Frank Ormonde, Nourishment Network
More than 80 volunteers showed up at the event.
"We're here to give out as much food as we can to the people who are in need," said Darlene Neal, volunteer.
Emma Holt says she's been volunteering with the Nourishment Network for the last 14 years.
"I will continue to volunteer with Nourishment Network as long as there's one because it's just that important to me. No one in America should go home hungry, and until I hear that there's no hungry people or homeless people on the street, I will continue to volunteer," said Emma Holt, volunteer.
Meanwhile people who got food say they're glad they got help.
"It means a lot to me. We got almost a month's supply. This is great," said George Smith.
Organizers say donations are key for events like these to happen. If you'd like to donate here's a link to the Nourishment Network's website.