The 19th Annual Hunger Hurts Food Drive in Berea, coordinated by Berea College’s Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS), will run from October 23-29.
From October 23-26, volunteers will distribute grocery bags to households in the community. You can help by simply filling the bag with non-perishable food items and placing it by your door by 9 a.m. on October 29 for pick up. Donations collected during the food drive will supply the Berea Community Food Bank for the winter and provide food to many families during the holiday season. Work will begin at the Berea Community Food Bank at 103 Parkway Ave. in Berea at 9:30 a.m. Food will be collected until 1 p.m.
The most needed foods are peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, fruit juices, jelly/jam, tuna, salmon, beef stew, pasta sauce, peanut butter, tomatoes, tomato sauce/paste, peas, spinach/mustard greens, cooking oil, canned meats, cornbread mix, dry milk, flour, rice (1 pound bags), corn meal, toilet tissue, shampoo, dish detergent, facial soap and toothpaste.
Last year the food drive collected more than 10,000 pounds of food for the food bank, sponsored by Berea Faith Community Outreach, which served more than 600 southern Madison County families last year. Many individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and organizations contribute food and money throughout the year.
In addition to providing food donations, community members will have an opportunity to help provide emergency assistance to families needing help with rent and utility bills this winter by supporting Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief (BUURR). More information and an envelope for donations will be attached to the grocery bag that is delivered to local residences.
Residents of southern Madison County who have an emergency food need or would like to request assistance from the BUURR program can call 859-985-1903 for more information.
For more information about the Hunger Hurts Food Drive, or to volunteer with the food drive, please call Sheila Lyons at 859-985-3935 or Heather Schill at 859-985-3804, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.