Join Us This Thursday: Community Food Drive to Support Local Pantries!

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Food pantries are facing challenges due to cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making it harder to support those in need. Community involvement is essential, especially as a food drive is scheduled for Thursday.

Eighty-nine-year-old William Shelton knows the struggles of food insecurity all too well. After battling B-cell lymphoma for a year at MD Anderson, he finds joy in helping others, often visiting the Glad Tidings food pantry to lend a hand.

“I still cook whenever I can and stay away from fast food,” Shelton shared. His approach reflects both resilience and the importance of community support.

David Smith from Second Harvest highlighted the ongoing food shortages. “Policy changes have affected our food supply,” he said, but he remains hopeful about community backing. “The face of hunger can be anyone. It could be your neighbor, someone struggling with decisions like buying food or fixing their car.”

Seniors like Shelton are anxious about the future. “They don’t know what’s going to happen,” he noted, echoing concerns shared by many in the community.

To support local food pantries, you can donate non-perishable items during the food drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Albertson’s on Ryan Street. If you can’t make it, check out Second Harvest on Facebook for alternative drop-off locations.

Statistics reveal that food insecurity affects 10.5% of U.S. households. According to a recent USDA report, the impact is felt more acutely in vulnerable populations, including seniors. As food prices continue to rise, community support becomes more crucial than ever.

Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community has to choose between essential needs.



Source link

Theresa Schmidt,news,kplc,pantry,Second harvest,David Smith,William Shelton,donations