The 21st Annual Hunger Hurts Food Drive, coordinated by Berea College’s Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS), will run from October 19-26.
Prior to October 26, volunteers will distribute brown-paper bags, donated by Kroger, to local households. Community members can help by filling the bags with non-perishable food items and placing them near their front door by 9 a.m. on October 26 for pick up.
The Berea Community Food Bank appreciates all food donations and also welcomes donations of toiletry items. According to Jerry Workman, Volunteer Coordinator at the Berea Community Food Bank, “The most needed items are peaches, fruit cocktail, salmon, beef stew, tuna, peas, spinach, greens, pork-n-beans, butter beans, hominy, tomato sauce/paste, canned meats, orange juice, apple juice, fruit juice, prune juice, peanut butter, cooking oil, cornbread mix, macaroni, dry beans, dry cereal, rice (1 pound bags), soda crackers, toilet tissue, facial soap, and toothpaste.”
In addition to providing food and toiletry donations, community members will have an opportunity to 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.
Donations collected during the Hunger Hurts Food Drive will supply the Berea Community Food Bank for the winter and provide food to many families during the holiday season. In 2012, the Hunger Hurts Food Drive collected more than 8,000 pounds of food for the food bank. The Berea Community Food Bank is sponsored by Berea Faith Community Outreach and currently serves more than 600 families across southern Madison County. Many individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and organizations contribute food and money throughout the year.
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, please contact Sheila Lyons at 859-985-3935 or Heather Schill at 859-985-3804, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.