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Asante gives to the Josephine County Food Bank
On holidays and every day, we can help people meet one of their most basic needs with the gift of food.
Did you know that each month, nearly 13,000 people in Josephine County rely on the local food bank for their survival? That’s one out of every eight people who needs help making ends meet.
They’re your friends, your neighbors, maybe even your family members. They’re senior citizens, employed residents and houseless people. For nearly half the households that depend on the agency, there’s at least one child living at home.
The Josephine County Food Bank is an essential part of our community and has a profound effect on the health of the people who live here.
“The food bank means my family will have dinner that night. My kids will have a snack when they get home from school. Appreciated more than words can say!” — A food bank client
In the past five years, living expenses have outpaced wages, and in the past six months, food prices have increased 6.1%, according to U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics. With the cost of food, utilities, gas and other necessities rising, many people can’t keep up.
That’s why the food bank is vital to our community. It supplies free boxed and canned goods to 27 food pantries, kitchens and other outlets in Josephine County, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables grown at Raptor Creek Farm, which is operated by the food bank to help wipe out hunger in our community.
“Your weekly pantry helps me stretch my budget so that I can keep my family fed. All the vegetables help me keep my meals healthy. Thank you so much. Your dedication, even through COVID, has been appreciated. God bless.” — A food bank client
Now the food bank needs the community’s help. After a record year in 2020, donations have dropped off this year. “Unfortunately, our need hasn’t decreased,” food bank executive director Josephine Sze told the Grants Pass Daily Courier.
The food bank depends on donations of nonperishable goods and monetary gifts of any amount to continue its generous work. Every dollar donated provides three healthy meals. A $30 donation feeds a family of four three meals a day for a week. A $300 donation can nourish a person for an entire year.
Please join Asante as we support this organization to help ensure no person goes hungry. Drop off items at 3658 Upper River Road in Grants Pass, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or in one of the 10 collection bins around town. Mail monetary donations to Josephine County Food Bank, P.O. Box 250, Grants Pass, OR 97528.
For a full list of requested food items and other information, call (541) 479-5556 or visit jocofoodbank.org.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
