In response to the difficult economy, the Domino’s Pizza branch in Ooltewah has decided to give pizza away for free.
“We’re giving a pizza a day to the Samaritan Center,” said David Fields, owner of the Domino’s Pizza in Ooltewah. “We saw a need and through these pizzas we found a way that we could help.”
Now, in addition to the food that people in need can receive from the Center’s food pantry, one family every day will receive a steaming hot pizza with three toppings, a side-order of breadsticks, and a two-liter drink.
“Free pizza is very meaningful to our clients,” said Sharon Smith, director of Social Services at the Samaritan Center. “First of all, it’s a hot meal that is already prepared, which is really helpful for parents with busy lives. Second, it just shows our clients that our local businesses care about those who are struggling within our community.”
The Samaritan Center has the second-largest food pantry in eastern Hamilton County, giving out around 50,000 food items to individuals and families in need every year. In 2008 alone, the Center helped more than 4,700 individuals with emergency needs and anticipates that this number will be higher than ever in 2009.