A second distribution of food through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers To Families Food Box program drew a crowd of cars Saturday morning in Linden, Texas.
Organizers said more than 400 cars rolled by in the two-hour period in which 1,280 boxes of food were distributed.
"We had about 20 volunteers to meet the people and bring them the boxes, and everyone was so friendly with each other. We worked hard, but it was an amazing experience," said Flo Stevenson, president of the Fairview Corporation which led in organizing the event.
The distribution had been arranged by local USDA liaison Horace Hodge of Linden. The food box program began in April of this year as a coronavirus food assistance measure to help farmers, ranchers and consumers counter the national emergency.
"The farmer is paid for his food product, and the consumer receives boxes of food," Hodge said.
A first distribution of food in Linden had been held July 1. If a third one is to be held, plans have not yet been completed.
People from all around participated in the food distribution when residents found they were able to receive boxes of farm fresh produce without cost.
Leaders credited the successful distribution to these following organizations: Fairview Reunion Corporation, City of Linden, Community Services of Northeast Texas, Linden United, Linden Together, Linden Economic Development Corporation and many individual volunteers.