It’s time to restock the pantry.
Forest Park is coming together for the annual Kiwanis Food Drive this weekend. The aim is to restock the community pantry ahead of the winter months. The drive seeks to collect non-perishable goods and financial donations to support our neighbors with food insecurity.
The Community Center food pantry served over 140 families last year with pantry support and often has an increase in need in the fall/winter months. “The community center pantry is low at this time, and it is helpful to have extra support before the holidays,” said Brenda Powers of the community center.
The Kiwanis Club of Forest Park has been running a food drive for the past three years and it is part of its mission. As a service organization, Kiwanis volunteers and friends are dedicated to improving the lives of Forest Park children and strengthening the community.
People are encouraged to leave nonperishable donations on their porches or near the door to make it easy for volunteers to come to pick up. Volunteers will be driving and walking blocks and picking up food between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Support from students from Fenwick High School is greatly appreciated. Students will be at the community center helping to unload the food from cars and sort the donations. While all nonperishable items are appreciated, the nutrient dense items like peanut butter, canned tuna or salmon, canned chicken and jars of pasta sauces are the items that are most valued in the pantry.
The Kiwanis Club of Forest Park has been giving back to the community for over 100 years. It is a service organization of volunteers that works to improve the lives of Forest Park children and strengthen the community.