Kiwanians Learn About Food Bank

Diane Davis spoke to members of the Monticello Kiwanis Club Monday about the needs of the Jasper County Community Food Bank (JCCFB).

The all-volunteer organization helps feed 200-250 families monthly, she said. Of those more than 50 percent of the households include seniors, and 125-175 children are served.

Since she had spoken to Kiwanis before about what people get from the food bank, this time she chose to show what is needed for donations.

She said anything with meat is good. She mentioned chili, beef stew, tuna, and other canned meats. But, she said, the seniors also like things they’re familiar with such as potted meat and vienna sausage, things donators may not think of as often.

She also said fruits are good this time of year as fresh fruit is so expensive. So they really like donations of any item with protein, including beans and peas, as well as fruit. Another item good this time of year is hearty soups, and she showed a can of chicken noodle soup as well, recognizing that is a popular taste, and great when someone is under the weather.

Mrs. Davis said donations had been very good lately, and likened the food bank to a squirrel putting nuts away for winter. She said that the JCCFB gets less than half of what is needed in January through May.

She reminded the Kiwanis members that some of their clients have to choose between food and the medicine they need. She said how important it is for the Food Bank to fill the gap for the families that might otherwise go hungry.

For more information on the JCCFB, interested persons may call 706-468-6076.