As South Carolina Federal Credit Union prepares to kick off International Credit Union Month later this week, you might like to know why we chose to celebrate by hosting a food drive. Did you know that South Carolina is among the top ten states with the greatest food need – and that many of those suffering most are children under the age of 5? Among school age children, studies show that severe hunger is a significant predictor of chronic illness, higher levels of internalizing behavior problems and higher reported anxiety/depression.
Now, consider that many of our own family members, friends and neighbors continue to struggle with the effects of a down economy. The Institute for Southern Studies reported that “the deepening recession could see an even greater jump in the rates of poverty amongst children.” Poverty and hunger, as we know, as closely linked.
Please take a few minutes this week and search through your cupboards for a few things you could donate to the food drive. Pick up a few extra canned or boxed goods next time you get groceries. Better yet, challenge yourself or your family to fill an entire grocery bag with donations.
I’ve read that the hardest part of affecting change is deciding to get involved. The credit union will make it simple for all of us to take that first step. Collection bins will be at every branch throughout the month of October! How can you not give?
I can’t imagine kids going to bed hungry, waking up hungry, going to school hungry – and their parents not having the resources to feed them properly. I eat pretty muchwhatever I want, whenever I want – How can I NOT give?
Hi Joy,
I agree. I’ve already combed through my cabinets and found a few items that definitely will make it into a bin come October 1.
Did you know that baby formula is a much needed “canned good,” too? If you know any new parents who no longer have use for unopened cans of baby formula, please encourage them to support other new families by donating to our food drive. Thanks!
Kimberly,
Can you tell us what is needed most? Canned meats, veggies, fruit, beans, baby formula?
Also, what is a cupboard? Here in the south, we call them cabinets.
Great question, hi_c (and aren’t you cheeky! Cabinets!),
Feeding America food banks, of which Lowcountry Food Bank and Harvest Hope Food Bank are a part, state that their most desired healthy food items include:
• Canned fruits and vegetables (peaches, green beans)
• Canned meats and stews (tuna, salmon, ham)
• Pasta, beans and grains (grits, oatmeal, rice)
• Baby food and baby formula
Hope this helps. Thanks for supporting the food drive.