I have just read an article entitled, “Groups set up food drives to help fill pantries’ shelves” in IndyStar.com. According to this article, Hamilton County food pantries have seen a 20% rise in the number of local residents who need food.
Thanks to a slowing economy, more Hamilton County residents are in need of food. So many that local activists are starting to worry whether some Hamilton County families will have enough food to get through the coming holiday season. According to Nancy Chance, the head of Hamilton County’s Good Samaritan program, there has been a sharp decline in donations received by local food banks. At Noblesville’s Third Phase, the county’s largest food bank, it is common to see 70-90 people in line waiting for food. This increase in demand, coupled with fewer cash and food donations has put a strain on our local food pantries and food banks.
In an effort to help collect more food for our local food pantries, Hamilton County businesses, students are helping to collect food and supplies for food banks in Central Indiana.
So which items do our local food pantries need most? Food items including canned fruits and vegetables, sauces, canned meats and other nonperishable food items as well as cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, diapers, baby wipes are some of the most needed items. Toys for infants through age 16, socks, underwear and cash donations are also accepted.
If you are interested in helping out our local food pantries you can drop off monetary donations, nonperishable food items, unwrapped toys and canned goods at your local Good Samaritan drop-off station.
Good Samaritan will be accepting canned foods and dry-good items from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. November 20 and 21 at the 4-H fairgrounds at 2003 East Pleasant Street. Good Samaritan will also be hosting giveaways on November 22 and December 13 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact Nancy Chance at (317) 773-5050.
