WILLIAMSON - Bobby Pack said it's difficult to eat right when you're a diabetic on a fixed income.
"Half the month you are eating everything you are supposed to," Pack said. "The other half, you are eating just whatever you can get."
That's why Pack said she was thankful for the Facing Hunger Foodbank's mobile pantry truck that stopped in Williamson on Thursday. The organization handed out fresh fruits and vegetables, bread goods and other food items from the parking lot of First Baptist Church on Harvey Street.
The nonprofit organization, based in Huntington, made a stop in Williamson as part of an initiative to hand out free food to those in need. The group works with corporate sponsors that donate hundreds of food and cleaning items.
Thursday was the first time the mobile pantry has visited downtown Williamson, said Veronica Degutis, director of member and network relations at Facing Hunger Foodbank. It's had a good turnout outside the city and parts of Mingo County before, but Degutis said she was surprised by the Harvey Street response.
More than 100 people lined up with shopping buggies, luggage carts and walkers eventually filled with free produce and other groceries.
"We try to do this four times a month," Degutis said. "We find there is definitely is a need."
The Facing Hunger Foodbank has helped 17 counties in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio, according to its website. In 2014, the foodbank distributed more than 5.2 million pounds of food to approximately 115,000 people.
Degutis said the idea was to get the mobile pantry established so that it can drop off more food and have local volunteers hand it out.
Donna Paterino was instrumental in getting the mobile pantry to the Harvey Street location, she said. Paterino, of Williamson, has been an advocate for feeding hungry people and most recently donated meals to residents at Goodman Manor for Christmas. She owns Widow's Mite Food Pantry in Delbarton, which aims to serve hot meals to those in need, she said.
Paterino said it's been her dream for many years for the Facing Hunger Foodbank to make a stop near Goodman Manor in Williamson. There has always been a need especially those who are disabled or elderly, she said. Getting from Goodman Manor to a grocery store on a regular basis is difficult for some.
"With our elderly, this provides many of them their only access to fresh fruits and vegetables," she said.
She hopes to continue hosting the mobile pantry at more points in the future. The only requirement to receiving free food is people must bring photo ID and one utility bill to prove Mingo County residency.
Travis Crum is a reporter for the Williamson Daily News. He may be reached by phone at 304-236-6497.
