By the time Community Action Partnership Scott, Carver & Dakota Counties staff and volunteers began distributing free food Thursday afternoon, there was a line of cars as far as the eyes could see down Stoughton Avenue.
"The extra help is nice," said Jason Otting, who heard about the event on Facebook. "I think times are kind of tough for a lot of people. I know it is for me."
CAPSCD has partnered with nine agencies to distribute food to at least 400 families at each drive-thru food distribution it holds. Volunteers also deliver meals to 80 individuals living in senior residences, said Caitlin Huiras of Carver County Public Health, who managed the food distribution.
CAPSCD holds food distributions in Burnsville, Norwood Young America and Prior Lake.
"The price of food has gone up," CAPSCD Community Program Manager Maritza Real said. "Food is pricey. This helps cover that gap. It doesn't fill it, but supplements it."
Those who showed up were given produce such as watermelons, meats like chicken and fish, potatoes, bread and other staple items.
"I didn't think there was a need in Carver County, but we do have one," said County Commissioner Gayle Degler, who also sits on the CAPSCD Board, as he loaded food into vehicles. "There is a need all over. I don't care what county you're in.
Learn more about CAPSCD programs and events at capagency.org.