Teaming up to “Fight Hunger – Feed Dreams”
The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties is proud to partner with Fifth Third Bank in the “Fight Hunger Feed Dreams” campaign. The food drive will definitely be an appreciated asset to The Army’s food pantry as it fights hunger right here in our community. The food drive began on May 3, and will continue throughout the month of May at all Fifth Third Bank locations.
“We are very grateful that Fifth Third Bank has looked at the needs in our community and thought of a great idea to help neighbors and friends. The Army is seeing staggering increases across the board in all its food programs. The Emergency Food Pantry has seen a 60 percent increase in provisions since 2007. Last year, we filled over 48,000 grocery orders which equated to over 436,000 meals. Our evening meal program, Meals with Compassion, served over 24,000 meals to hungry individuals and families. That program serves a hot meal to anyone in need, 365 days a year. Since 2001, Meals with Compassion has seen a 220 percent increase. So you see, this food drive couldn’t have come at a better time,” stated Major Art Penhale, Corps Office for Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.
With the summer months ahead, families rely on the services of The Salvation Army and other agencies just to survive. In the 2009 school year, nearly 70 percent of all Lee County students were enrolled in the free or reduced breakfast and lunch program. For the majority of Lee County’s school children, when school is not in session, they often go without meals and essential nutrition. “Having this food drive at this time of year will definitely help us in meeting the needs of families,” added Penhale.
The community is encouraged to help in Fifth Third’s canned food drive. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to drop off non-perishable items such as: canned meats (fish, chicken, ham); canned vegetables; pastas; peanut butter (plastic jars only); canned & dry beans; diapers; canned fruit; rice; crackers; cereals; macaroni & cheese; and baby formula.