A front-page story on May 11 reminded us that food insecurity is a real problem in our community. Both the “Walk and Knock” program and the recent postal workers’ drive make a big dent in filling that need.
In addition to these annual collections, there is another program in the area that supplies food pantries on a regular, more frequent basis. The Clark Neighbors Food Project is a neighborhood-based, volunteer-driven program that collects food every other month, all year long. Over 2,000 donor households throughout Clark County have enrolled in the program since its inception in 2017.
As one of about 100 volunteer Neighborhood Coordinators involved in this effort, I can attest to its efficiency, effectiveness, and how rewarding it feels to be part of it. During our recent collection in April, we delivered 19,961 pounds of nutritious food to local food pantries and school family resource centers.
Maybe you’ve noticed bright green bags, overflowing with food items, waiting to be collected from your neighbors’ porches on certain Saturday mornings? If you’re interested in learning more about those bags, or perhaps in joining us, please visit www.clarkfoodproject.org. Feeding the hungry takes real community collaboration. Every effort makes a difference.