Food need grows in Durham as shutdown drags on: 'People should not be going through this'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- As the government shutdown continues, there is a growing need for food across the Triangle. Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church held a food drive and organizers called the turnout astronomical. They had to turn people away.

"I just had someone beg me to find them somewhere else where they can get food. This is supposed to be the greatest country in the world. People should not be begging. We should not be going through this," said Mark Hipps-Figgs with Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church.

Hipps-Figgs had an urgent plea for President Donald Trump as he personally witnessed community members struggle to cover the cost of food.

"I want you to spend one day with me," he said.

SEE ALSO | Where to find food help, get a hot meal or donate to a pantry or food bank in central NC

"I want you to talk to every person and see them and see people go hungry. See people drive away with nothing."

Long lines of cars stretched for blocks along North Elizabeth Street. Janet Slaughter was one of the people waiting for food in her car. She is retired and living on a fixed income.

"It's very tough. As a senior, just having enough to maintain already is tough. And so, with he shutdown, that makes it even harder," she said.

Over at the Durham Rescue Mission, organizing is underway for an emergency food distribution to support families impacted by the government shutdown.

"While we wait for Washington to figure that out, we're not going to sit idly by and allow our neighbors to suffer," said Ernie Mills Jr.

On Wednesday, their parking lot will turn into a drive-through walk-up distribution site. The plan is to give away non-perishable goods. They need help from the community to make this giveaway possible.

"We want people to donate food. We also need to labor. We need people to volunteer on Wednesday to help give this food out," he said.

If you'd like to donate ahead of Wednesday, click here.

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