Local church helps families with groceries amid Gov't shutdown

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — There are now two days before SNAP benefits could possibly be delayed for thousands of Oklahomans. Last week, News 4 covered the story of a local church donating to families in need. Since then, their donations have grown.

Thrive Community Church is lending a helping a hand to put food on the table for those who need it most.

The end result after News 4 ran a story on the food donations was more than the church could have imagined.

"We last week served nearly 200 families. I think that was about 184 coming through, about 400 people. So it was a packed house," said Zac Owen, the Associate Pastor at Thrive Community Church.

In the span of a week, their donations from those in the community have grown in a huge way and now, they're preparing to hand out about 10,000 pounds of food to families in the community.

"I've had several people tell me--I asked them, how did you hear about us and they say, I saw you on the news. I had to come out. Facebook was another way that we went from probably 100 shares a week to this last post, 1100 shares," said Owen.

It's something Thrive Church said warms their heart to do as they help those in the community every week.

"Seeing all of these people that are expressing I need help because of the current circumstances, it's brought such an appreciation and a gratitude in our hearts that God started this forming it a year ago so that when the needs hit, we were able to pivot and say, come on in, come on in," said Owen.

They plan to continue food donations every Thursday at 7 p.m.

The food giveaway will happen tonight at the church. It's also their trunk or treat starting at 6:30pm so if you're in need of food, you can bring the kiddos and enjoy a fun night with the family as well.