'It takes the edge off for us': Racine nonprofit helps families in need with more than just food

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With SNAP benefits on hold, and growing expenses, many local families are struggling to make ends meet.

To help, one local organization in Racine is providing more than just fresh groceries for families in need.

“A community that sticks together is going to thrive," said Jennie Macphail, a parent in the Fuel 4 Thought program. "I mean, that’s what community is.”

On Wednesday nights, the organization Failure is Not an Option (FINAO) holds Fuel 4 Thought, a program with a goal of creating community and hope for children and their parents.

"It's really hard right now," said Kim Zelko, the Fuel 4 Thought coordinator with FINAO. "We do our best to make sure that we provide for everyone, include everyone."

Macphail says the program sparked her young daughter Ellie's passion for reading, all while also helping her provide meals for her family.

"This, I mean, it takes the edge off for us," said Macphail. "We can come home from a busy work night, when he’s there I have two screaming kids, and I don’t have to cook. I don’t have to worry about where my daughter’s next meal is going to come from.”

Providing fresh groceries, books and activities for the kids, Zelko says the need for the free program has doubled since last year.

"I've had families and they can't afford food, they can't afford medications," said Zelko. "We have families that have reached out to me that are making a decision between paying their heat starting soon or feeding their families."

With SNAP benefits on hold, she says she continues to see more and more families join each week.

"It's going to keep getting worse," said Zelko. "People need the food."

As a nonprofit organization, Zelko says it's been tough to keep up with the need as their food delivery truck just broke down. However, she says they will do everything they can to keep providing for their community.

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or join the group, you can get more information here.