Because so many people in the United States have been facing increased food insecurity issues over the first 11 days of November, residents in northeast Allegan County have stepped up their rescue games.
When it was noted that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would not be funded because of the federal government shutdown, local food banks and other helping hands acknowledged increases in donations.
However, as one food pantry worker said, the assistance programs are still having difficulty keeping up with the demand, which has been reported as double what it was last month.
The Christian Neighbors food pantry in Wayland reported huge donations Tuesday, from schools, churches, the State Police, private campaigns and even businesses, such as Aqua In Vino, which sponsored a drive for its 10th anniversary. Wayland schools donated 337 pounds of food this week and local churches sent in 335.
Wayland schools are in the thick of the effort.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Teresa Fulk said, “We donated some to Hand2Hand, specifically Peace Church’s Hand2Hand efforts, and we’ll be sending some to Project Hope. The district’s food drive goes until Nov. 25.
“Anyone wishing to contribute can deliver food to any of our school buildings, the Administration Building, or the Transportation Building.”
Caring Innovations passed along about 300 pounds in memory of Kelly Smart.
Eight churches are collecting food donations and then sending them to Christian Neighbors on Church Street. Reports indicate all of them have stepped up their appeals for donations after learning of the SNAP issues.
Despite the huge increases in food donations, there is continuing need for canned chicken, saltine crackers, Hamburger Helper style boxes for meals, money to purchase meats and pancake mixes and syrup.
Now that the U.S. Senate has voted to break the government shutdown situation, food pantry workers and coordinator say they hope the crisis soon will be averted. But in the meantime they ask citizens to continue making contributions.
