Food drive collections down

The annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive took place nationwide on May 11. The food collected locally will remain in Marion County to help individuals and families. This year’s food drive was the 32nd for Ocala/Marion County.

Even though the drive brought in 95,000 pounds of food, with some donations still coming in, the amount was down compared to last year, which saw 103,792 pounds of food donated.

“It’s down compared to previous years but when you factor in the monetary value of that much food it’s probably more per dollar,” said Karla Greenway, chief executive officer of Interfaith Emergency Services, the lead nonprofit with the drive.

On May 11, people could leave donations on or near their mailbox for collection. Mail carriers would pick up the donations and volunteers would help ferry the items to the IES warehouse for sorting. Greenway noted that this year volunteers saw a few people collecting the food for themselves. She said when one man was confronted, he said he needed the food he was loading into the back of his truck.

“People are desperate,” Greenway said.

She said she wanted to extend her thanks to everyone who made donations this year, which will be used to help a lot of people.

Most of the food from the drive will help the agency get through the summer months, especially when children are out of school and staying at home, and any excess will be shared with IES partner pantries.

IES, which was formed in 1983, helps approximately 30,000 people annually. Clients range from those who may be experiencing homelessness, to senior citizens and veterans, and people with disabilities or who are struggling to make ends meet. Services include emergency help, a shelter program and the Food 4 Kids program.

Donations are needed year-round, and the most needed items are staples such as peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, soup, rice, pasta and sauce, and other basics.

To learn more, go to iesmarion.org