VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Eleven donated refrigerated trailers are helping a local organization feed more people during a time of increased demand.
Hunger Strike Force is a food relief ministry through Virginia Beach-based Operation Blessing.
Over the last two weeks, they've seen a 40% increase in demand for food distributions thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois-based Hub Group has donated eleven 53-foot long refrigerated trailers to Operation Blessing to help with the mission.
"The big thing that we have noticed is that the need for food has increased given the economic situation that a lot of people are finding themselves in right now, whether they are unemployed or underemployed," Jeff Westling, Operation Blessing Chief of Staff told News 3 anchor Todd Corillo.
"A lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and so we have really worked with our suppliers, the wholesalers, the manufacturers, and the distributors to glean additional product so that we can move that into our hunger relief," he added.
Related: Local relief organization to serve 15,000 meals in Portsmouth
Typically, the Hunger Strike Force delivers 750,000 pounds of food and products to more than 85 partner groups who then distribute the goods to more than 4,500 local food banks, shelters and ministries.
With the donation of the refrigerated trailers, Operation Blessing will be able to deliver more fresh proteins and produce to those in need.
You can learn more about Operation Blessing here.
