Thanks goes out to the many churches, ministries and other nonprofit organizations that distribute food boxes to the needy.

The food comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program where the food is bought by the government and given out to various organizations. This is a win-win for everybody and, with many restaurants still closed and schools not operating at full capacity, keeps food from being thrown away.

There are many people who are in need. You see many vehicles in line to receive food boxes. Real Life Ministries, with

Pastor Stephen Towns presiding, has been giving food out every Saturday morning for months. There are usually at least 100 cars in line before they open and I am sure it is the same scenario everywhere.

Many of us get numerous boxes and distribute them to people who need them. Many of the people we deliver the boxes to have no transportation or are incapacitated.

Thanks also to the volunteers who, week after week, put boxes in the vehicles when you drive up.

The food program is definitely filling a void and helping those who are going through these tough times. Many of the people look forward to receiving these boxes weekly or until the program ends so that they can stretch their dollars further.

Everyone deserves to live a quality life and this program helps. Remember, hunger does not care what race you are or your political party affiliation. It can affect everyone.

All people deserve to live with some form of dignity and respect. These people and families experiencing hardship should never be forgotten. The good thing is others do care and it is showing.

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond