APACHE JUNCTION (AZFamily) — Thousands of families across the Valley relied on charities and churches for a hot Thanksgiving meal, but options are limited in rural communities.

Genesis Project , a soup kitchen in Apache Junction, is the only free meal center in Pinal County and recently reopened its doors. Organizers and volunteers said they expected higher turnout this Thanksgiving than in past years.

“Where is your next meal coming from?” is a question many people can answer. For others, it’s not so simple. Genesis Project’s four walls serve as a beacon of hope for those families, organizers said.

“We are kind of a desert out here. We’re the only soup kitchen in Pinal County, so there aren’t other options for a hot meal. A hot meal will not fix everything, but it creates community a

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