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VALLEY — Approximately 150 local families received food Saturday morning at a Food Bank of East Alabama distribution at Valley Sportsplex. At one point, a long line of cars extended from the distribution point in the Valley Sportsplex parking lot, along Sportsplex Drive toward Fob James Drive.

The event was organized by Food Bank driver Robert Williams, who has ties to the Valley area. The long line of cars moved along fairly quickly as a host of volunteers loaded a food allotment into the trunk or bay of each car or truck coming through.

“I am so glad we are able to do this,” Williams told The Valley Times-News. “Having all these volunteers here today helps keep the line moving smoothly. We are getting help today for those who need it, and I love it. I am hoping we can do this again.”

FBEA Executive Director Martha Henk said three staff members of the Food Bank were there with Williams on Saturday to help get the food distributed.

“It amazes me that we don’t run out of food during these distributions. It always seems to work out just right,” she said.

Founded in 1993, the Food Bank of East Alabama works to create a safety net of community partners, programs and direct services to meet the needs of east Alabama residents over a seven-county area who struggle with hunger. With a network of more than 200 community partner food assistance sites, the Food Bank of East Alabama can get nutritious food directly into the hands of those in need through agencies embedded in their communities.

Charitable organizations such as the Christian Service Center and the Interfaith Food Closet work with the Food Bank to get food items to local residents in need.