ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Second Harvest Food Bank held a special event on Thursday to gather food donations outside Sam’s Club. They called it the Fill the Van food drive, and it aimed to help local families in need.
Shoppers were encouraged to buy extra food items to donate. These donations will support food pantries in schools across the community. James Marmaud, who coordinates food sourcing at Second Harvest, highlighted the growing need for food assistance. He noted, “Many people don’t realize how many neighbors struggle with hunger. Events like this help raise awareness.”
Ruthanna Odette, a long-time volunteer, shared her personal experience. She faced food insecurity in her past and decided to give back through her volunteer work. For her, witnessing community donations is an emotional experience. “It makes me want to cry,” she said. With today’s economy, many seniors and single parents are struggling. Every little bit helps.”
The donated food will support local elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as college campuses. Odette emphasized the importance of preparing children to learn, stating, “A full stomach leads to a bright mind.”
Second Harvest primarily seeks nonperishable items like canned goods, oatmeal, soups, and vegetables. They also run mobile food drives to make sure everyone in Buchanan and surrounding counties has access to food. For details on their upcoming events, you can check their official site at www.shcfb.org.
According to a recent report by Feeding America, over 42 million people in the U.S. face hunger. This includes 13 million children. The situation has worsened in light of rising costs of living and economic instability. Locally, food assistance programs are crucial for families, particularly during challenging times.
Community engagement is vital. Initiatives like Fill the Van not only provide food but also build a supportive network. Many people are unaware of the hunger challenges existing in their neighborhoods. A little kindness can make a significant difference.
As we witness more food drives and community efforts, let’s remember the power of giving. Every donation counts, and together we can help ensure that no one goes hungry.
Check out this related article: Fighting Hunger and Reducing Food Waste: How a Non-Profit is Transforming Northeast Florida
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