The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” food drive, a Community Nutrition class project, will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010.
The program, in its sixteenth year, is under the direction of graduate student dietetics interns and Dr. Rita Johnson, Food and Nutrition Department professor. It benefits local families through the Indiana County Community Action Program Food Bank. The project is organized and conducted by graduate and undergraduate students as a service learning project.
“The food drive is a terrific service learning experience for the students,” Johnson said. “People in our county are generous and sympathetic to their neighbors' needs. We truly enjoy the partnership with the community and are proud that we have fifteen years of neighbors helping neighbors through this project.
“In the past year, ICCAP has had an increase in the demand for food and now assists 2,100 households each month. More than half of the individuals benefiting from the food pantry are children and older adults.”
Food and personal care items will be collected from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Valeski's Fourth Street Bi-Lo, White Township
- Wal-Mart, White Township
- Giant Eagle, Indiana
- Indiana Mall
- Merck's Bi-Lo, Homer City
- Tate's Supermarket, Clymer
- Shop n' Save, Saltsburg
- Donations are also being collected by employees of Diamond Medical Supply.
In addition, contributions will be accepted on campus from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. April 17 at the Ackerman Hall loading dock.
Food items in demand include cereal, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, and jelly.
Photo Information
Planners of the food drive include, from left, Jesse Miller, representing the Indiana County Community Action Program; Dr. Rita Johnson, Food and Nutrition Department; and Denny Bondra and Emily Henry, local Food and Nutrition students.