October 1, 2023 – For 20 years, The WSOY Community Food Drive inspired citizens to unite against hunger, exceeding unprecedented goals year after year. Today, food insecurity is at an all-time high and four nonprofit organizations are once again inviting others to act.
“If there is one thing that never fails to inspire, it’s the heart of our community,” says Executive Director Angel Lawrence of Northeast Community Fund. “We know that when there’s a need, it will be met.”
The WSOY Community Food Drive held its final food drive in 2021 after 20 years and raising over 24 million pounds of food for 22 local organizations. In the final year, the WSOY Community Food Drive was able to award grants that represented a 3-year allocation to each organization, thanks to a generous $1 million dollar donation by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, as well as sizable donations from ADM, The Andreas Foundation, its community partners, and the community at large.
This October, Catholic Charities, Good Samaritan Inn, Northeast Community Fund, and Salvation Army are partnering to launch their own food drive, “Together, We Can End Hunger: A Drive to Feed Our Community.” 100% of funds will support efforts to feed those in need through these organizations, who collectively serve the majority of local food-insecure individuals.
“Everyone has unique needs,” Says Catholic Charities Community Services Supervisor Robin Murray. “Some people are able to utilize a pantry and prepare food at home, while others need services like our Meals on Wheels because they don’t have the means to cook. It just makes sense for us to work together because we’re all united in ending hunger.”
This year, the Drive is asking people to donate funds to support these organizations as they head into winter months where needs typically rise. They are also hoping that businesses, schools, community organizations, and individuals will get involved next year in a greater capacity, either as volunteers or by holding their own unique efforts to collect donations during October.
“We are honoring the past, while looking to the future,” says Kyle Karsten, Development Director at The Salvation Army. “By collecting donations, we can each provide unique services and leverage bulk purchasing to stretch dollars as far as they can go.”
Each organization is feeling the strain as their service numbers continue to rise. “We’ve already seen an average increase of 773 more meals served per month in 2023 vs 2022,” says Executive Director of Good Samaritan Inn Nicky Besser. Heightened food prices have intensified the costs associated with these essential services.
You can participate in Together We Can End Hunger: A Drive to Feed Our Community by donating between October 1st through 31st. Learn more at www.FeedMaconCounty.org. The giving portal is now open.
