An emergency mass food distribution is underway in Putnam County as resources dwindle at a critical time for the coronavirus outbreak.

Over the last few weeks, the county has seen food pantries close. It does not have an organization that delivers food to local nonprofits for distribution regularly.

"They have mobile food pantries in almost every community right now and they don't have it here in Putnam County,” says one resident.

Faith Ann Butcher, of The United Way, tells News 12 people are "crying because they haven't been able to get deliveries delivered to them and they're stuck at home."

The United Way has the means to distribute more than 80,000 pounds of food to feed around 600 families in the county.

Nearly 100 volunteers are bagging food to be delivered to seniors and those who are immunocompromised. 

"The best thing they can do is really stay home so if help is available and we can bring it to you and there are people that are able to do that, I think we all need to lend a hand,” says volunteer Adriene All.

United Way hopes to have more food distribution events as long as the stay-at-home order remains in effect. News 12 is told with enough community support, the nonprofit will continue to provide resources to those in need.