An event designed to feed thousands of people took place in Lakeland on Saturday.
It’s an event big enough to pack Bryant Stadium with an impact so great, people like Lita Malloy and Loretta White showed up in the early hours of the morning, just to be a part of it.
“The earlier the better, and go home early,” said Malloy.
“It helps my family a lot,” said White. “Yes it does.”
Its help that comes in many forms at Harvest Assembly Church’s annual Rock the Block event.
Everything from food, face painting, haircuts and health care was offered here at the event for free.
“This has been about a 20 year vision that I had to be able to get this stadium and do the work in the ministry that we’re doing,” said Harvest Assembly pastor Keith Conley. “Just loving our city. Letting them know Jesus loves them. Letting them know that god’s people love them.”
And that love is abundant on the faces of the children. Many walked away with free bikes.
For the parents, it was the bags full of free food that drew them in.
“It’s very important to be able to come out here and get the free food and to be able to learn about the knowledge of about God, it’s very important,” said church member Jess Chapmon.
The food is provided mostly by donations and money from the church. Organizers tell us they gave food to almost two thousand people today.