On the last Thursday of every month, the line of cars outside the Helping Hands food distribution in Norwich, New York forms for hours and stretches for more than a mile.
There is the dad of three children who says his paycheck doesn’t quite go far enough to pay for both eating and heating. The single parent whose toddler has allergies that require healthier food options beyond her price range. The grandparents of six who can’t stay ahead of inflation and rising food prices on a fixed income. And the new moms who come through the line pushing babies in their strollers. All leave with some security knowing that they will be supported with a box of food each month, served with dignity and respect by an army of local volunteers there to help neighbors in need.
