Growing number of people in need at Faith Temple

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Just about every week, hundreds of people line up for the Faith Temple Food Giveaway. It wouldn't be possible without volunteers.

"I come because I have been blessed. And so, you know, as a as a river, you know, runs through me, the blessings, God's blessings run through me and come out and run through the food giveaway and hopefully runs through those people that receive the food," said Lois Mashek, a volunteer at Faith Temple.

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Mashek has been volunteering since the giveaway began fifteen years ago. Every week, between 60 and 80 volunteers like her show up to help out.

"We work on the food giveaway every day and Friday's a big day because people are here, oh, about 8:00 and then the last person is out of here about 7:30 in the evening. And so that has to do with sorting the food and getting it ready to pass out, as well as the actual food giveaway that takes place between four and six," said Jeff Hayes, director of the Faith Temple Food Giveaway.

Since its start in 2009, Faith Temple Food Giveaway has not only grown in numbers, but adapted in other ways.

"We were one of two cities in the United States that were given a grant for DoorDash, although now we pay to have the DoorDash deliveries made. But every week people call the 211 Helpline and get on the list for deliveries from the Faith Temple Food Giveaway. And typically the food goes to people that don't have cars or older people. But DoorDash will come and they'll pick up the bags and they'll take them all over town," said Hayes.

Each week, between 30 and 40 thousand pounds of food are purchased by or donated for the giveaway.