The largest food pantry in Kosciusko County needs your help.
Combined Community Services is holding their annual Food-A-Thon event. The goal is to collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations that will go to those in need.
They help over 400 households– or approximately 1,500 individuals– each month.
Director of Emergency Assistance John Parker tells News Now Warsaw that the two-day event happens just in time to prepare for when there is the most demand for food in the county.
“It’s getting colder, people see more heating bills, so it might be their money is going there and we can really help them with the food, we may see an influx of people at that time of year,” he says.
Parker says the food CCS gets from Food-A-Thon will stock pantry shelves all the way through January or February.
When it comes to donating food, they’re always looking for non-perishable items like peanut butter, pasta, cereal, and breakfast items. Once inside the food pantry, those who are facing food insecurity in Kosciusko County can select what they need.
“We’re a big believer in choice in that we don’t want to throw stuff in a box and hand it to them,” Parker explains. “We switched over a number of years ago to what’s called client choice– they walk through with their shopping cart…they get to pick what they’ll actually eat.”
In addition to their food pantry, Combined Community Services also offers utility assistance and clothing to those who may need it.
Executive Director Stephen Possell says its all part of getting people back on their feet.
“You need to meet people where they are. If somebody comes into your office– they don’t have food, their lights have been turned off, they’ve got little kids, we’re going to try and take care of that first,” he explains. “Eventually the goal is to get people self-sufficient…but, initially we take care of their food needs, we take care of their utility needs, so they can get to the point where they’re financially independent.”
The Food-A-Thon is happening Friday November 2 at Martin’s in Warsaw from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday November 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lake City Media will have on-air personalities from both Willie 103.5 and 107.3 WRSW at the event to help collect food items and monetary donations.
Combined Community Services also holds a dodge ball game at Lakeview Middle School on November 9, with two food items is the cost of admission.
