Local nonprofit food rescue organization Food Finders launched its annual “Summer to End Hunger” food drive on May 1, collecting food for families with children.
During the summer, only 19 percent of the one million children eligible for the federally funded breakfast and lunch program participate in a summer meal program, according to Food Finders.
“Summer is a rough time for many of these families. These children are at a much higher risk of food insecurity.” said Patti Larson, executive director of Food Finders. “In 2014, our summer food drive collected 25,000 pounds of food, providing 21,000 meals.”
Food Finders is in need of businesses, clubs, organizations and people committed to ending hunger and will provide and drop off collection bins and signage in support of the food drive. Food will also be accepted at the office in Signal Hill. Volunteers are also needed during the summer to sort and box the donated food. Collected food will be delivered to Boys and Girls clubs, youth centers, shelters and pantries that serve primarily families with children.
“We have a list of specific items that we are collecting, which is available on our website, or we can email or fax it to anyone who requests it,” Larson said.
Those interested in donating, whether through a local collection site or directly, should contact Diana Lara at (562) 283-1400 x101 or dlara@foodfinders.org for more information. A complete list of needed items can be found at foodfinders.org on the home page under “Summer to End Hunger food drive.”
The drive will run through Aug. 31, followed by a late summer CANstruction® canned-food structure building competition on Sept. 17 to be held at the Landmark Square Building lobby in downtown Long Beach. For more information or how a local architecture, engineering, construction or design firm can enter the competition or for sponsorship opportunities, visit CANstructionLongBeach.org .
For more information, contact Food Finders at (562) 283-1400 or visit foodfinders.org .
Source: Food Finders
