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Food Distribution Program
Over 4 tons of food is distributed at the Community Hope Center weekly. It requires volunteers to pick up 42 food pickups per week. The staff includes food handlers, stock clerks, kitchen, and cleanup crew. Over 10,000 files are kept in the office, of clients that have come to us for food.
When a client enters the doors of the Center for food, they must first go through the office and are screened. They need to show proof of where they are living and social security cards on everyone. Currently, the Center averages 2,000 people per month who are personally helped by the Food Distribution Program. In addition our food services provide much needed help to surrounding ministries who provide similar services.
The Community Hope Center is a non-for-profit, volunteer based, charity operating as a food pantry and crisis center since April 4, 1988. The Center was established to benefit families, children and those who are less fortunate with programs that meet their diverse needs. During the past decade the Center has been providing thousands of tons of food, clothing and furniture to the needy from throughout our extended community.
The elderly and the disabled are trying to live on a small government check of under $550.00 per month in most cases. They come to the Center in order to survive. After trying to pay for a place to live and utilities, there is no money left from this meager amount to purchase food.
Last year the CHC helped 24,093 individuals in need, which represent 7,327 families. Madison County alone has thousands of families that live far below the poverty level and in tremendous need of assistance. There have been numerous fires this year that have claimed lives and the possessions of families leaving them with little or no financing to relocate.
No downturn is anticipated regarding people’s needs. The demand for assistance is causing our programs to expand at an alarming rate. Currently the Center is helping between 2,000 to 2,500 people per month. Weekly four thousand pounds of food is distributed to those in need from the Center’s food pantry.
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