Downtown Belmont holds food, supply giveaway for those in need

BELMONT, N.C. — Thousands of pounds of food and supplies was distributed to people impacted by the coronavirus in Belmont Friday as part of a mobile food pantry.

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Downtown Belmont was converted into a distribution center, where 30,000 pounds of food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies are being given to families of unemployed adults, children without access to meals, seniors and other citizens at high risk of COVID-19.

The 30,000 pounds of items is enough to cover about 500 families.

Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura was at the giveaway and said dozens of cars were lined up to get help.

Volunteers put items in the trunk of people’s cars as they pulled up -- all while maintaining social distancing and wearing gloves and masks.

“You can either have your rent, your lights and your water but what about everything else?" resident Pamela Hopper said.

For people who’ve lost their jobs amid business shutdowns like Hopper, the donations are a lifeline.

“Now you don’t know where your food is going to come from or where is the rest of your money going to come from,” she said.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the massive food giveaway as it was ending and could see dozens of volunteers packing up crates that were once filled with much needed food and supplies.

“I hope that they know that their city is there to support them,” Elevation Church Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Elie said.

The event was organized by Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, city of Belmont, faith-based ministry Convoy of Hope, Elevation Outreach (an Elevation Church ministry) and Creative Solutions Special Events in Belmont.

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