The American Legion Post 31 fed many families on Thanksgiving Day in Salinas
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Thanksgiving Day is a time of giving and sharing food with loved ones, no matter where you are. And, the Salinas community came together Thursday to do just that.
"I don't have work, I don't have money. I cant buy much food because everything Is expensive," said a food recipient at Thursday's Thanksgiving community meal program at the American Legion Post 31, Maria Ortega.
Ortega says that times have been tough, and loosing her job recently was another financial jolt in addition to rising food costs.
“You go to the store and you are surprised," said another food recipient Maria Perez. "I don't buy [things] but when I do I say, 'Wow.'"
Perez says that she relies on the generosity of others since 'sticker shock' set in at the grocery store.
"About a week ago, two weeks ago, the price was lower," said Perez. "And not only in fast food. It also includes a little glass of juice, a little breakfast. The whole thing is $12 or $13."
Around 70 volunteers teamed up to feed hundreds of meals to those who otherwise wouldn't have one.
They arrived hours before the doors opened to the public, greeting several people who were already waiting in line for a warm meal.
Inside, these volunteers were preparing the dining area with drinks, pies, bread and more food items.
