Food drives provide much needed assistance

The economic slowdown, job layoffs, the end of unemployment benefits, flood recovery expenses, rising food, and medical costs—the list goes on and on. There are many reasons for the increased requests for food assistance in Johnson County. In fact, the Crisis Center Food Bank is experiencing a 27 percent increase in requests for food assistance over the same period a year ago.

Many are first-time families who never expected to count on others to make ends meet.
Last year the center budgeted $60,000 for food purchases, and that amount is expected to increase to $80,000 in 2009. Community generosity provides 60 percent of the center’s operating budget.

Thanksgiving in July is a community-wide food drive that provides food assistance to our hungry, homeless, and working poor. The food bank distributes 10 tons of food per week, or more than 1 million pounds per year. Your continued participation in this annual food drivekeeps the pantry shelves stocked. This year’s food drive is scheduled for July 20–25.

If someone you know would be willing to host a food drive or make a donation, please contact Mercy On Call, 358-2767 or 1-800-358-2767.

For more information about Thanksgiving In July visit their Web site at www.thanksgivinginjuly.org