HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - Volunteers from a Perry County church are providing extra help to those in need by giving out boxed lunches year round.

New boxes are packed every Monday and Thursday.

All of the food is cooked at New Hope church and Monday's lunch was made up of fruit, bread, and beef stew.

“I like to give them a good balanced meal. You know, something good,” said volunteer Bruce Mee.

For the past three years people in downtown Hazard have lined up for their "Cup of Hope."

“Basically, it’s people that we don't think would have lunch if we didn't take it over there. The only problem is we can only do it two days a week,” said Pastor Michael Barnett.

An average of 25 families are fed each day, and the boxes are gone within minutes.

“I enjoy it. The food is really good,” said Belinda Henson.

Volunteers even make house calls when people cannot make it to the drop off point.

The meals add up to hundreds of pounds of food that are simply an avenue to something much more.

"Our ulterior motive is to reach a lost and dying world with the gospel, but it's hard to talk to somebody about that when they have an empty stomach,” said Barnett.

It is a need that volunteers said increases during the holidays, but lasts all year long.