In light of recent announcements of barren shelves at local food pantries, the United Way of Howard County is coordinating the Food Pantry Network in an effort to help notify the community of the best ways to mobilize and react to the current situation.

According to United Way of Howard County Information and Referral Director Cindy Dunlap, “There are several factors that have led to an increase in food pantry referrals. Among these are high gas prices, a struggling economy and the recent change in the food stamp program.”

Dunlap also mentioned that, “United Way of Howard County Information and Referral has seen an increase in food referrals from 96 in the first quarter of 2007 to 351 in the same quarter of this year.”

During a recent meeting, the Network and the United Way set up an agreement for the United Way to direct food drive donators to give to the pantry with the most need. With this arrangement, there shouldn’t be one pantry completely stocked while another has to close its doors.

 Food pantries are in need of all non-perishable food and paper items. Below is a list of some of their greatest needs:

CANNED MEAT
CANNED FRUIT
CANNED VEGETABLES
100% FRUIT JUICE
COLD AND HOT CEREALS
MACARONI AND CHEESE
BAKED BEANS OR PORK & BEANS
CANNED SOUP
PASTA SAUCE
DRY PASTA
PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY
PLAIN RICE
INSTANT POTATOES
PANCAKE MIX
SYRUP
COOKING OIL
CLEANING SUPPLIES
TOILETRIES
PAPER GOODS
BABY FOOD
DIAPERS

(NOTE: Pantries will not accept home-canned food products or outdated, bulging, rusted or dented items. If perishable items wish to be donated, please contact the food pantry directly to ensure proper space for refrigeration.)

Poverty in Indiana has increased in recent years, with 37,500 more people falling below the poverty line in 2006, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. About 10 percent of Hoosiers live below the poverty line.

In addition, a recent study reveals that six in 10 Americans will fall into poverty for at least one year by the time they are 75 years old.

“Clearly, food assistance programs are not for ‘someone else,’ they exist for us all,” said Lori Tate, president, United Way of Howard County. “September is National Hunger Action Month, and the United Way would encourage any organization, group or individual with the means to help to reach out and give back to the food pantries in Howard County.”

The pantries in the Network who are accepting walk-in donations include:
Kokomo Urban Outreach, 1701 S. Locke St. – 461-9618
Samaritan Love Center, 208 E. Sycamore – 271-9050
Salvation Army, 1101 S. Waugh – 456-3846
Kokomo Rescue Mission, 321 W. Mulberry – 456-3838
Grace Memorial Institutional Food Pantry, 1417 N. Delphos – 457-2749

To find out more information about holding a food drive, to direct food to the pantries most in need or for general information, call United Way Information and Referral at (765) 457-4357 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

------------------------------
When you give to the United Way of Howard County, your gift funds "what matters"! You provide food and shelter to those in need, allow the elderly and the disabled to remain independent and provide kids with programs they need to learn and grow.

United Way of Howard County funds 17 agencies and over 33 programs that serve over 80% of Howard County residents.

All donations to United Way of Howard County are used within Howard County. Learn how to donate your time or a monetary value.