The Outreach Center's Food Distribution program touches hundreds of lives every week. For years, the furniture industry has been the largest employer in the immediate 4 county area. However, over the past decade, most of those jobs have been exported to other countries, resulting in high unemployment for this region. We are fortunate that The Outreach Center can be a resource for those in need.

The Outreach Center distributes a full round of groceries to individuals and families, every Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00pm. Usually, 800-1100 families are served during that time. The average value per grocery set is $77.40.

These groceries are given freely to anyone who has a genuine need. Athough approximately 30% of the people we serve are elderly and disabled, each week we graduate many families out of our system by helping and encouraging them so they can get back on their feet. While those are leaving many others are coming in. We currently have around 20,000 families in our database. Our goal is to not become a welfare system, but help those who are unemployed or going through a difficult time, rise above their current circumstances and contribute back at some point.

$5.1 million worth of food was given to impoverished families in the community during 2008. 44,441 sets of groceries were distributed. 31,173 individuals were served with food through The Outreach Center’s weekly food distribution program. The average value of one set of groceries given during weekly food distribution in 2008 was $77.40.

57 charitable organizations, shelters, and schools received more than $1 million in food and toiletry items for their clients through our Community Food Bank Program.

Comments from Food Distribution clients:
• "I think it's a Godsend. It's a blessing. You get help when you need help and everyone is so nice."
• "You make it through another week with the help we get here."
• "They really go out of their way to touch so many people. It's amazing."
• "I've never had to ask anyone for help, but I lost my job and I have 2 children. This is great how they help so many."
• "They're trying to help better people, not just give them something."
• "They are really great people and they don't make you feel bad about needing help."
• "Instead of looking down at you, the try to help you out."
• "This is the greatest service I've ever seen. It's fantastic. It's a sense of giving that everyone should have."