To support the increasing need among food-insecure families and individuals during the holidays and into the new year, Montgomery County nonprofit groups are hosting food and fund drives.
The Montgomery County Food Bank and Interfaith of The Woodlands have drives that continues through the end of December. Another local nonprofit, Keep US Fed Montgomery County is approaching a major milestone in its mission to bring food to the community.
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The food bank’s “Holiday Helping” food and funds drive launched Nov. 1 and will continue through the end of December. They have a “donation plate” campaign where the plate graphics have a QR code that allows a company’s network of customers, clients and employees to make a donation directly to the food bank. Every $1 raised provides up to four meals. The plates can be filled out and displayed somewhere in the business.
In October, the Montgomery County Food Bank supported 95,163 individual client contacts through its network of over 80 partner agencies including food pantries, schools and senior-living facilities. Food bank organizers expect November and December numbers to be up as well.
“Our community is facing an unprecedented level of need for food assistance, and the demand continues to rise,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “The escalating costs of living have put a strain on many families, making it challenging for them to put food on the table. We are urging our compassionate community to come together and support those in need. Your assistance, whether through donations or volunteer efforts, can make a meaningful impact in ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry during these challenging times.”
Groups and companies can also host a food drive. Groups hosting a food drive are encouraged to decorate their donation box in a holiday theme and the most creative boxes will be featured on the food bank’s Facebook page. Also see the food bank’s Facebook page for weekly mobile market food deliveries throughout the county.
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See the food bank website for all of the ways to participate, volunteer or find food.
The nonprofit Interfaith of The Woodlands also has its “holiday giving” campaign underway. Interfaith is participating in adopt a family, a toy drive and gifts for seniors. With each of those programs, the recipient receives food and a gift card to prepare a holiday meal.
Groups and businesses may also set up a food drive through Interfaith. Contact Brody Dixon, bdixon@woodlandsinterfaith.org to organize an Interfaith food drive.
Dry goods such as canned goods and pantry items are sought to keep the Interfaith shelves full. Donations may be dropped off at Interfaith of The Woodlands, 4242 Interfaith Way from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
This holiday season, the nonprofit Keep US Fed Montgomery County is nearing a milestone in its mission.
In 2015, the group started with just a handful of individuals who felt called to serve and were passionate about finding a way to help alleviate hunger here in the community. Since 2015, the organization has grown close to 100 volunteers, making food recovery runs seven days a week, 364 days a year. Through partnerships with grocery stores, restaurants and schools, volunteers collect food donations and those donations are delivered via a network of 40 recipient organizations who pass the foods on to families and individuals.
“We are expected, within the next couple of weeks, to hit 7 million pounds of rescued and redistributed surplus food,” said Kellie Taglioli Program Coordinator for Keep US Fed Montgomery County. “This equates to approximately 5.8 million meals for those in need here in our community. This would not be possible without loving hearts ready and willing to serve the needs of others.”
Visit the Keep US Fed website for more information on how to get involved.
