ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A local church helped make sure that families are stocked up heading into Mother’s Day.

City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Rd., with the help of Northern Illinois Food Bank, held its 30th food distribution. Families started lining up at 7 a.m. Tuesday for the drive-thru service.

Hundreds of pounds of dairy, protein and produce were available. Volunteers helped load the trunks.

It is an effort that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said that seeing people happy after getting their food was gratifying.

“This job is the most rewarding thing anyone could ask for. There is nothing greater than giving out food to those who need it, those who are food insecure,” said Mackenzie Peshek, senior distribution and logistics manager at Northern Illinois Food Bank. “That’s our entire mission, is to provide the most nutritious food for those people to thrive, not just to survive.”

Recent changes to SNAP benefits has also created a larger need for food assistance events like this.