A new non-profit in Suffolk found a unique way of helping those in need. Launched by Suffolk Events and Entertainment, Inc., Wagons of Hope provided carrying carts to assist walking customers in transporting groceries safely. On Thursday, Jan. 18, the organization partnered with East End Baptist Church’s food bank, Solomon’s Porch, during its mini-mart food distribution.
East End Baptist Church and Solomon’s Porch Food Manager Yvonne B. Green discussed the mini-mart process, which is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. at 617 E. Washington St.
“They come in, they get three minutes on the floor. You’d be surprised at what they can pick up in three minutes,” Green said. “When they come in, if there are limited items like today, we have soft drinks and water… if there are limited things, we let them know when they come through the door. If there’s no limit, then they go for themselves. We give them a bag of meat on their way out the door.”
Along with their other programs, such as their Healthy Produce, 60+ Food Program and Emergency Food distributions, Green detailed how she and her team work to bring food to shoppers in need, even working outside in both heat and cold weather. Along with noting how “85 percent of their people” walk as their only way of transportation, Green expressed how thankful she was to the Wagons of Hope members for providing carts at the distribution.