RINCON, Ga. — Manna House has expanded its annual Thanksgiving “Boxes of Hope” giveaway to meet growing demand as families face the loss of SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown and continue to struggle with rising grocery prices. 

Many families in Effingham County are struggling more now than they ever have before. Grocery prices in Georgia have risen an estimated 6.57% over the past year.

Distribution hours and location

Distribution is taking place at Manna House, 1210 Patriot Drive in Rincon, and continues Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. The giveaway runs through Nov. 25.

Operations Manager on growing need

Operations Manager Liz Quarterman said the ministry increased its distribution from 800 to 1,100 boxes after seeing an unprecedented spike in local need.

“Three hundred new families have come forward since Nov. 1 seeking assistance,” she said. “Even families with two incomes are struggling to buy groceries and put food on the table. Prices are skyrocketing.”

To meet the surge, Manna House purchased an additional 300 boxes using its own budget at a cost of about $9,000, Quarterman said.

Each "Box of Hope" contains all the essentials for a full Thanksgiving meal, including a frozen turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, peaches, cranberry sauce, yams, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, marshmallow cream, Jell-O, rice, mac and cheese, dried milk, brownie mix, Jiffy mix, and a dozen eggs. Flatware, napkins, and cups are included as well.

Quarterman said the cost of each box would be about $150 at grocery-store prices. Through bulk purchasing from Harvest House, Manna House acquires the food at about 10 cents per pound — roughly $20 per box.

Manna House in Rincon

Manna House in Rincon is a nonprofit ministry that provides food assistance, clothing, and household items to those in need in Effingham County. It operates a food pantry with weekly distributions and a thrift store whose sales help fund the pantry’s operations. The organization also hosts school supply drives and holiday assistance programs like "Boxes of Hope."

“Manna House provides food for over 16,000 households in need each year, and we’ve seen that number rise during the government shutdown,” Quarterman said. “'The Boxes of Hope' are especially meaningful. Every family deserves to enjoy a holiday meal, and thanks to our generous donors and faithful volunteers, we are blessed to share God’s love in this way.”

“If you need food, we are here,” Quarterman said. “If you know someone who needs food, we are here.”

Volunteer turnout sets record

Quarterman said this year’s giveaway sparked the largest volunteer turnout in Manna House history. More than 150 volunteers have helped distribute the boxes.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “So many people are volunteering. This is the best county in the world.”