Pastor Barry Strong of St. Andrews Church in Decatur is on a mission to ensure no one in his community goes hungry.

With the government shutdown halting SNAP benefits, Strong has taken action to provide for those in need. Every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., he and his church staff distribute 150 hot meals and non-perishable food items to anyone who needs them.

"It's a government shutdown for some and it’s a pandemic to others," Strong said.

Strong, who has been the pastor at St. Andrews for 22 years, emphasized the importance of food as a basic necessity. "Some things are optional, would be good to have, you can live without it, but food is one denominator that brings us all together," he said.

Community member Wonda Utley expressed her gratitude for the church's efforts. "It's a great n

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