Second annual food pantry fundraiser hopes for success

by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter

Imagine having to make the agonizing decision each month of how to provide food, utilities or medication for your family. For some families this scenario is often times all too familiar. But beginning the first full week in November, the IGA Round-Up, now in its second year, hopes to once again counteract this dilemma.

According to a recent study by Feeding America, 13.18 percent of residents of Moultrie County are food insecure, which means more than 1,800 of your neighbors may have to miss a meal or may struggle to provide a meal. But to counter that, many area people, businesses and organizations have come together to give back and insure that those in our community can provide these basic needs of life for their families. 

Once again, this year the C.E.F.S. food pantry has teamed up with the Sullivan IGA for the “Round up your bill” fundraiser. During the week of November 3-16, the community will be given an opportunity to give a little and help a lot by simply rounding up their grocery bill to the next dollar.

“It’s a natural fit for our grocery store to work with and help the local food pantry,” IGA store manager Pat Stinson said.

While people may wonder what his or her 50 cents can do to help, every penny adds up.

At the end of the two weeks, the amount of each round up will be tallied, and a check will be given to the C.E.F.S. food pantry. Last year because of all of the change donated to the “Round up”, IGA presented a check to the food pantry for $1200. That little bit of change donated by each customer helped to feed approximately 24 families in the community.

“Every donation is appreciated,” said Barbara Waymire, C.E.F.S. Outreach Coordinator.

The C.E.F.S. food pantry is run almost completely on donations so the support of the community is vital. The food pantry also utilizes RSVP volunteers to assist in filling and distributing boxes of food each day. Each box of food that is given out has on average, approximately $50 worth of food in it. The boxes include items such as fruits, vegetables, frozen meats, bakery items, and toiletries. From June 2012 through May 31, 2013 the food pantry served 1474 families in Moultrie County for a total of 3892 individuals.

“IGA has been a great supporter of the C.E.F.S. food pantry,” added Waymire.

Another way IGA has given back to the community and the food pantry is through the recycled bag program. Each time a customer uses a recycled bag rather than a plastic or paper bag, IGA donates five cents per bag used to the pantry.

“We write the pantry a check of about $300 each quarter from this program,” Stinson noted.

With the changes in our economy, rising food prices and a five percent reduction in SNAP benefits looming, many local families may need that extra bit of help from the local pantry to help them get by.

“We hope that the community will get behind the fundraiser again this year,” said Stinson. “It’s an easy way to donate and give back.”