COVINGTON, Ky. — A collaborative food drive with the Freestore Food Bank and St. Elizabeth Healthcare, means over 1,000 families in need will receive a helping hand this holiday season. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Freestore Food Bank and St. Elizabeth Healthcare held their fourth annual food drive

  • Families drove up and got meat and vegetables

  • The event aimed to serve over 1,000 families facing food insecurity 

  • The Freestore Food Bank will have other food distributions this month

Health care workers are known for saving lives, but they’re also serving the community differently. With a convenient drive-through set-up, northern Kentucky residents can pick of fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy this holiday season. 

Eric Mooney, a physical therapist volunteering, said there’s nothing like serving the community. He shouted, "Two turkeys and four bags of carrots right there. So yep, we got you all set," as he loaded a family's care package. For Mooney, he said the food drive perfectly aligns with the motto of the hospital. 

“Part of what we stand for, St. E’s is, you know, giving back to our community,” he said.

The two organizations set up shop at the Covington hospital site, ready to serve up to 1,500 families with turkeys, fresh carrots and potatoes, so they can enjoy a delicious feast this Christmas.

President and CEO of The Freestore Foodbank, Kurt Reiber, emphasized the impact that events like the food drive have on the community.

“Eight out of ten children in our tri-state community served by Freestore Foodbank are eligible for free and reduced lunches. So, we know that this is an important component of how they’re going to restock their shelves, restock their pantries and really have a nice Christmas dinner for their entire family,” he said.

For patrons like Christina Scott, the event was a blessing. As she drove away with a couple of turkeys and bags of fress vegetables, she said, "I have a caseload. Eight kids and two adults, and this will help out all of my children. So, by God’s grace, you are doing wonderful things. They’re doing a wonderful thing.”

As dozens of cars continued to drive through, even in the rain, Mooney said he couldn’t be happier to give back. “Being able to come out here and actually do that and do it hands on as opposed to just saying it, means a lot.”

Freestore Foodbank has other upcoming food distributions and the information can be found on their website.

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