Lexington, SC (WLTX) - Mission Lexington is helping fill the need after Harvest Hope announced they will be closing their Cayce location on 12th Street.
Shocked. That's the way most people described their reaction to the closing. Dana Bell is one person who used to go to the food bank in Cayce.
"I was very concerned when I heard about Harvest Hope. I was very saddened to hear them closing. With six children, it hurts our pocket a little bit when you get behind on bills," said Bell.
Like her, many are wondering how they're going to able to provide a meal for their family on Thanksgiving.
"Thanksgiving means a lot When you don't have the resources to put decent food on the table for your children, it definitely breaks your spirit," she explained.
Robin Bowers is the executive director of Mission Lexington, the group Harvest Hope has partnered with to help still serve people in the Midlands.
"No matter what they're coming for, we want to treat them with dignity. It's a very difficult situation to come in and ask for help," said Bowers.
Bowers says the need is great in the Lexington area.
"Lexington County poverty is about 13.7 percent. That's a lot of people if you do the math with the growth and the growing of Lexington County," explained Bowers.
Mission Lexington has been around for 40 years. Along with food, they also have a thrift store where people can also get clothing. Bowers says their food pantry works differently than Harvest Hope.
"We recently went to a full-choice grocery store type pantry so that they actually come in and choose what they want to have to eat," said Bowers.
If you're looking to come to Mission Lexington to get the meals you need for Thanksgiving, make sure you bring your monthly stipend from the federal government, South Carolina ID, and social security card.
Bell is happy her family will be able to have a turkey on their table for Thanksgiving.
"You're not going to leave here without love and some food in your belly. To come to a place that loves you and wants to help your family, it's A-Okay with me," said Bell.
Mission Lexington says they serve 18,000 people a year.
While Harvest Hope and Mission Lexington will be combining resources to a certain degree, Bowers says donations will still be extremely important moving ahead in the future.
Just to be clear, the Harvest Hope that's closing is the one in Cayce. The one on Shop Road in Columbia is still running.