CINCINNATI -- Linda Holcomb says she loves to cook and always has a full table at her house for Thanksgiving. It will take days for her to prepare all the food, but she's grateful for the time in the kitchen.
"I was in a terrible car accident," she said. "I'm still walking, I was totally paralyzed, so I'm able to cook again."
Holcomb, who is thankful to be walking and cooking, says she's also thankful for help from the Freestore Foodbank. The Over-the-Rhine food pantry will provide families with Thanksgiving meals Monday and Tuesday.
"I have six grand babies, four kids ... I'm probably going to cook for about 12 people," Holcomb told WCPO.
Freestore Foodbank volunteers will distribute a turkey, a bag of produce, canned vegetables, canned fruit, stuffing and macaroni and cheese to each household.
Kurt Reiber, president of Freestore Foodbank, said staff started giving food to their pantry partners on Friday so they can reach more people who need a little help feeding their family.
"Families don’t have to come here in order to get the food," Reiber said. "And that’s what we’re all about, trying to make it easier for these holiday expressions of joy for the families."
Reiber said Freestore Foodbank sees a lot of working families who make just enough to make ends meet, but they might struggle during the holidays, especially if they have a financial emergency.
"Hunger doesn’t take a holiday, and the fact that we’re able to be here … it really goes a long way in making the holidays a little brighter and a little better for everybody," Reiber said.
The food bank will also provide turkeys and produce to Be Concerned in Covington, Generations Churchin Independence and North Dearborn Pantry in West Harrison, Indiana for their holiday meals.
Freestore Foodbank is distributing Thanksgiving meals from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at 112 East Liberty Street. Anyone hoping to pick up a meal must bring a photo ID and proof and address.
