As the summer begins the Adopt-A-Food program sponsored by the Fairfield Community Food Bank is proven to be more important than ever. Families are finding it harder to provide food for their tables with the increase in unemployment in the area.
But in the dark clouds the food bank is a silver lining, celebrating its fifth year this month the program is supplying food for 40-50 families a week.
With 45 different churches, organizations, youth groups, families, and individuals supplying donations on a weekly bases the volunteers are still in need of more support.
The community food bank which been serving the community since 1986 is manned by coordinator Julia Hungerpiller and her staff of volunteers.
Volunteer, Diane Williams expressed that the need for increased food donations during the summer month has been a pattern that they have seen over the years.
The Adopt-A-Food program is fairly simple, groups or individuals sign up and pledge to donate the same non-perishable food items each week or month in order to maintain a supply for those in need. Items such as sugar, evaporated milk, grits and chicken broth are always need.
A very unique part of the food bank is that they allow clients to pick which items they would like to receive.
Each client is given a choice between items and the volunteers bag the items, this allows for a feel of customer service, also it givens the clients the opportunity to plan for the meals.
The best way for the food bank to continue serving the community, is to encourage those who can to join the program. Youth groups such as First Baptist Church AWANA, and Rockton Baptist Church TeamKids, are using the program to teach youth the importance of giving back and helping others. Both groups have been very active with donations and support.
Those in need can come to the food bank with a referral once every 90 days, on Tuesday or Thursday from 10-11:45 a. m., also during the same hours persons wishing to make donations can drop off food.
The food bank coordinator Julia Hungerpiller said, “We are very thankful of the county’s support” when asked about the locations and space they are currently in at 96 Highway 321 Bypass Winnsboro.
Volunteer Shirley Locklair said, “we are thankful for what the community do, and although we may not be able to send out thank you notes to each donor, it does not mean they are not important.”
If you would like to join the Adopt-A-Food program or make a contribution to the food bank you can contact them by phone 635-9234 or e-mail dianewms@truvista.net.
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