The parish of St. John Neumann is hosting a food donation drive on Saturday, April 1, for the “Neighbors in Need” program sponsored by Catholic Charities.
Donations of food will be accepted from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church’s north parking lot at 17951 Dixie Highway in Homewood. This will be a “pop-the-trunk” drive that will not require any direct contact between volunteers and donors.
Mary Ellen Brabec said the food drive will benefit the South Regional Office of Catholic Charities helping meet the needs of people struggling with rising food costs. As of March, the added SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) that were given in response to COVID have been discontinued, which significantly reduced monthly family benefits. Therefore, the services of the pantry will be even more essential.
The distribution center has put special requests for canned peaches, pineapple or mandarin oranges, potato, rice or pasta side dishes, pasta sauce, canned chicken or meat, jelly, cold cereal or packages of instant oatmeal packets. Volunteers will also accept cash donations. Checks can be made payable to Catholic Charities with St. Iranaeus pantry in the memo section.
“We know our H-F community will be generous with their donations,” Brabec said, “and I thank everyone in advance.”
For additional information, contact Brabec at [email protected].