While people are out of a job and out of a paycheck, getting those groceries can become a challenge. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is stepping in to help.

“We really wanted to keep our staff, our volunteers, and our clients safe," said Maria Strinni, who is with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

The mobile food pantries usually travelling to six counties in the Southern Tier are on hold to prevent germ spread. Instead, people in need can drive right up.

“Pop their trunk, and we have volunteers to load in the produce, meats, dairy products, and shelf stable items that people need throughout the duration of this closure," said Strinni.

There’s an expected increase in need as more and more people aren’t getting to work. Volunteers are stepping in to get food in hands.

“A lot of us when we were younger depended on places like this for help as children our parents needed the help so we try to give back as much as we can now," said volunteer Mark Haley.

In doing their good deeds, volunteers are getting "hearts" in return.

“Nothing feels better when they drive by and everybody gives you the little heart signal. And you knowing that people are getting things that they need right now, with the world [in] kind of aa chaotic situation, it’s kinda nice," said Haley.

“Don’t be too proud to come out and get some of this food that we are handing out here. This is a hand up, not a handout, so we’re just all in it together," said Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk.

In just two hours, 21,000 pounds of food were given out to more than 300 homes.

To donate to The Food Bank of the Southern Tier, or see when the next food distribution will be, head to www.foodbankst.org.