With a box of food at her feet and a line of worry on her brow, Over-the-Rhine resident Angela Cook on Monday needed a ride from the FreeStore/FoodBank back to her apartment on 13th Street.

        This Thanksgiving would be a challenge for her and hundreds of others in Greater Cincinnati who are struggling through a slowing economy.

        “It's taking a toll on a lot of people,” she said. “You can't find a job now — at least not a good job that will feed a big family like I have.”

        Ms. Cook, who is unemployed, does not receive food stamps and relies on the kindness and financial help of an employed friend. She was one of about 1,800 people in 1,102 households who came to the nonprofit Monday for a Thanksgiving meal.

        Rob Rankin, director of client services for FreeStore/FoodBank, 112 East Liberty St., counted 75 to 80 people in line when he arrived to organize volunteers and distribute food at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

        “This is the heaviest one day we've seen in seven years,” he said.

        Many factors are in play: a sour economy, people laid off from jobs and some who are saving up and worried because they fear layoffs.

        “A lot of people just don't have the money that they had in years past,” Mr. Rankin said. “Maybe last year they were doing fine, but this year, they are laid off and don't have the ability to do a real good Thanksgiving dinner.

        “We're here. We're available.”

        Small families received a box of food, including canned goods, produce such as potatoes and squash, and a frozen chicken. Larger families received a frozen turkey, canned goods and a bag of potatoes.

        Alicia Crocker, a 33-year-old mother of six from Forest Park, was thankful for the box of food she re ceived.

        Last year at Thanksgiving, she was employed as an associate purchaser for an insurance company. She said she was laid off this year and was glad the FreeStore/FoodBank was there for people in need.

        “We're making it,” she said. “We came through hard times before. A lot of people might get depressed, but I'm keeping my head up as long as there are places that can help.”

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