Daystar Church campuses in Hartselle and Cullman distributed 1,280 boxes of free food to families struggling to put food on their tables during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Distribution began at both church campuses June 9 and was scheduled to continue twice weekly though June 23.  

Farmers to Families is part of a $4 billion provision of the CARES Act, which the national government put into action near the onset of the coronavirus. 

“Through this act, the federal government is purchasing food from U.S. farmers and giving it to families to ensure it does not go to waste and families are helped out during the pandemic,” said Tom Watson, Daystar Hartselle campus pastor. 

Each box of food, weighing 21 pounds, contained 8 pounds of pre-cooked chicken or pork, 4 pounds of assorted vegetables, 8 pieces of fresh fruit, one pound of butter and one-half gallon of milk—enough to feed a family of four for a week.  

The food was given to all families on a first come, first served basis, and recipients were not required to show any proof of need or identification 

“The response was tremendous,” said Ethan Boggs, Daystar youth pastor. “We had people waiting in line parked in their cars and pickups as early as 8:30 a.m. Our volunteers passed out tickets to each family, and distribution lasted from 10 a.m. to noon. 

“We couldn’t think of a better way to live out the power and love of Jesus Christ,” Boggs added, “than to put food in the hands of our neighbors during a difficult time.”