CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Chicopee’s First Congregational Church resumed its mission late Sunday afternoon of providing food for families facing hard times caused by the coronavirus economic impact.

Church member Nicole McKinstry was one of the volunteers distributing food. The church took on this responsibility and opened a food pantry last year.

A humanitarian effort it was forced to discontinue during the height of the pandemic.

To church member, Paul Parks, it’s significant that the resumption of helping feed those in need should occur on Father’s Day. He told 22News, the meal services have made quite an impression on him.

“As a father, I’ve always felt I provide for my family, and sometimes it’s hard,” Parks said. “Certainly, with the Covid-19, people being out of work, I’ve seen more and more families, they need help.”

For two hours Sunday afternoon, members of Chicopee’s First Congregational Church cared for their neighbors, providing “grab and go” meals for Sunday dinner. Bags full from the pantry would put food on the table for future meals.