The Outreach Center's Food Distribution program touches hundreds of lives every week. For years, the furniture industry has been the largest employer in the immediate 4 county area. However, over the past decade, most of those jobs have been exported to other countries, resulting in high unemployment for this region. We are fortunate that The Outreach Center can be a resource for those in need.

The Outreach Center distributes a full round of groceries to individuals and families, every Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00pm. Usually, 800-1100 families are served during that time. The average value per grocery set is $82.

These groceries are given freely to anyone who has a genuine need. Each week we graduate many families out of our system by helping and encouraging them so they can get back on their feet. While those are leaving many others are coming in. We currently have around 11,000 families in our database. Our goal is to not become a welfare system, but help those who are unemployed or going through a difficult time, rise above their current circumstances and contribute back at some point.

In 2005, The Outreach Center received, packaged, and distributed $4,521,632 worth of groceries (via 46,230 pre-packaged grocery sets) to assist 38,999 hungry individuals and families. Currently, The Outreach Center also delivers food and clothing to 65 other agencies. Those agencies are located all over the United States, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, and Indiana.

Comments from Food Distribution clients:
• "I think it's a Godsend. It's a blessing. You get help when you need help and everyone is so nice."
• "You make it through another week with the help we get here."
• "They really go out of their way to touch so many people. It's amazing."
• "I've never had to ask anyone for help, but I lost my job and I have 2 children. This is great how they help so many."
• "They're trying to help better people, not just give them something."
• "They are really great people and they don't make you feel bad about needing help."
• "Instead of looking down at you, the try to help you out."
• "This is the greatest service I've ever seen. It's fantastic. It's a sense of giving that everyone should have."