Hundreds come out for free food

COEUR d’ALENE — For a few minutes, the line of vehicles disappeared outside Candlelight Christian Fellowship.

It was usually quiet from how it had been for the first few hours, which gave Erick Koenig and his volunteers a chance to relax early Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s been just a blessing to be able to serve our community,” said Koenig, facilities administrator at the church on Pioneer Drive.

And then it was back at it as cars, SUVS and trucks rolled up on the final day of the giveaway.

After a volunteer received the driver’s name and the number of people being helped, others jumped into action. They carried gallons of milk, a box of roast chicken and beef, a box of eggs, butter and cheese, and a box of apples, onions and potatoes to vehicles.

Three boxes made up a set for a family of three, and many drove away with two or three sets as volunteers piled and packed items in trunks, hatches and on back seats.

"God bless you ma'am," said Patrick Kittel.

“Thank you and bless you all,” she answered.

With the economy ailing due to the coronavirus, many are barely getting by. By noon, about 200 vehicles had passed through.

“We’re glad we could help them stretch their food budgets,” Koenig said.

The USDA-approved items came from farmers and ranchers in eastern Washington and western Idaho who couldn’t sell them, so they donated them for public distribution through churches and other nonprofits.

Food, enough to feed thousands, was given out last week and this week, wrapping up Wednesday.

Koenig said seniors to single adults to parents with kids turned out. Many have fallen on hard times with the nation’s challenging economy. People talked of struggling to get by, running out of food, losing jobs and facing evictions.

“We had one lady come in the other day and literally said she was praying all morning wondering how she was going to get milk and food for her kids,” Kittel said. “Her neighbor told her about this and she came in here and broke down into tears.”

Jane and Dave Duncan of Rathdrum said they appreciated the help.

“When you’re on a limited income, you do what you can,” Jane Duncan said.

Asked how they were holding up, she said, “We’re managing. There are people a lot worse off than we are.”

Volunteer David Silva said he was glad to lend a hand to those in need.

“That’s what we’re here for is to serve the community and glorify God,” he said.