GENEVA, N.Y. — Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for affordable food options in communities has grown. In Geneva, volunteers prove that it takes a village to make sure a community can thrive.

It’s something Scott takes to heart. He’s been parked at the Geneva Boys & Girls Club since 4:30 a.m. 

“I can just help and that’s what I do," he said. “I came 35 miles to get this stuff."

He’s one of around 400 cars that line up twice a month outside the Boys & Girls Club, all waiting for boxes of free food.

Around 19% of Geneva is living below the poverty line and about 13% of city residents are food insecure. Executive Director Chris Lavin saw the need for healthy, fresh food in his community during the pandemic. Looking at line of cars waiting, the need hasn’t gone away.

“If I can put $300 worth of food into a family’s house over a month, that may make a difference in a car payment or medical care,” said Lavin.

The pallets of food come from Foodlink and Wegmans, along with local farms and bakeries. Food is passed out based on how big a family is and their ages, making sure everyone gets what they need.