Food drive for hungry among inaugural events
The economic downturn is hitting food banks hard. Supplies are dwindling and until the economy turns around, demand for free groceries is expected to continue to increase.
Posted — UpdatedAfter the swearing-in, the Food Bank truck will be outside the Executive Mansion, 201 N. Blount St.
"It's a North Carolina tradition for neighbors to help neighbors," said Meg Ryan O'Donnell, director of the 2009 Inaugural Committee. "The inaugural ceremonies are a great opportunity for those facing difficult times during this recent economic downturn."
Volunteers said economic woes have driven up to 30 percent more people to seek help from food banks.
"Opportunities like the inauguration are more crucial than ever to engage the community and our leaders in the hunger fight," Liz Reasoner, executive director of the Food Bank of the Albermarle, said.
In an average month, the Food Bank gives about 2.7 million pounds of food. But in October, distribution shot up to 3.5 million pounds.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C., an association member, serves more than 450,000 people in 34 counties, via a network of 900 partner agencies. Nearly 30 percent of its recipients are children, and another 18 percent are elderly.
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