It’s that time of year, when we tend to be a bit more aware of (and giving toward) those less fortunate than ourselves. But what if we could easily make a difference year round?
That was a question local Chicoan Wendy Smith asked herself one day, when she read a statistic about the number of people in this country who don’t have enough to eat (many of them children).
According to the “Feeding America” website, in 2011, 50.1 million Americans lived in “food insecure” households (33.5 million adults and 16.7 million children).
Wendy Smith and Francine Kenkel of CHICO FOOD PROJECT
Very troubling indeed. But what can one person do?
Wendy shared a wonderful program with our Soroptimist of Chico club this week. Called simply “Chico Food Project,” it is an amazingly simple concept.
1. The first step is to sign-up on the white card included in The Chico Food Project brochure. The Food Project volunteers will then give you a blue, reusable grocery bag.
2. Whenever you shop, buy one extra non-perishable food item to put in the bag.
3. On the 2nd Saturday of every other month, a volunteer picks up the bag from your front porch and leaves a replacement bag.
4. The food is delivered to LOCAL food pantries, to be distributed to those in need.
That’s it! Such an easy way to help others throughout the year, rather than just during the holiday season. And no worries about how much of your donation is going to some nefarious “fat cat” at the top of some “charitable” organization. All food donations go straight to people truly in need, right here in Chico. And the program is overseen by the awesome North Valley Community Foundation.
For more information about this simple and worthwhile project, please email ChicoFoodProject@gmail.com or call 530-230-7232. While you’re at it, ask for a BLUE BAG!
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