INDIANAPOLIS Families lined up around the parking lot at Living Water Fellowship Church, some arriving as early as 10 a.m., hoping to secure a Thanksgiving meal kit before supplies ran out on Saturday.

Living Water Outreach Ministries originally planned to distribute 300 Blessings in a Box Thanksgiving meal boxes this year. By the time the event ended, volunteers had served more than 350 families, a turnout that reflects the growing struggle many households face as food costs rise and resources shrink.

Sharon Long, a longtime volunteer, said the church increased its usual distribution because the need is climbing.

Usually we do 200, but we increased it to 300 because of the need, she said.

Each box included fresh vegetables, canned goods, boxed sides and a $25 gift card to help familie

See Full Page