'We need food': Hundreds of families line up for free meals at Kenosha food drive

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of cars lined up on Friday, Nov. 7, grateful for a free meal for their family and that they are able to lean on their community during tough times.

"We need food, plain and simple,” said Kenosha resident Annette Holt.

Hundreds of families filled the parking lot at Kenosha's north side Piggly Wiggly Friday.

“I struggle as it is," said Kenosha resident Scott Mitchell. "This helps; it really helps.”

Those driving up were thankful for some extra help during their time of need.

“We’ve got five over here that’s she’s got to feed, and I’ve got three that I got to feed, so we’ve got to do something,” said Holt.

SNAP benefits have been impacted for around a week and many people, like Sally Taylor, say they are working as hard as they can, but are still struggling to put enough food on the table.

“I have a 1-month-old grandson at home and my youngest daughter, it's her first time being a mom, so she’s struggling," said Talor. "Just get what I can to kind of cheer her up because we are a little low on food and my food stamps got shut off.”

Seeing a need in their community, Kenosha business owners Emily Jacobsen and Leah Livingston partnered up to make and hand out nearly 600 free meal kits.

"Everyone is struggling in their own way," said Jacobsen. "Community is about coming together and we are all here to help each other in whatever way they need it."

Even people who don't qualify for benefits say it's been a difficult time to make ends meet.

"Piecing together dinners and stuff like that, I mean, it’s not easy, but we do what we can do," said Mitchell. "It’s nice that people like this are helping out everybody like this. It’s awesome.”

Families say the groups act of kindness makes all the difference.

"God bless everybody who is doing it," said Taylor. "God bless them.”