2008 Woodie Awards
Food drive eases mounting hunger
By: Jessica Rhynalds
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Features
Living with hunger pains is a reality for many people in Chico. With the unstable economy, one local nonprofit feared a low turnout for the yearly Harvest Food Drive, which started Monday and continues to Friday.
"This year, our country is facing an economic crisis," said Holly Nevarez, health and community services professor, whose class is working to collect cans. "At this time of year, there is always an increased need for services at the Jesus Center."
Since last November, there has been a 130 percent increase in people coming to the Jesus Center during every meal, she said.
"We see more people of every age, race and gender," Nevarez said. "We are just seeing more people who need help."
Nevarez's "Community Health" course has implemented the Harvest Food Drive.
People of all ages go to the Jesus Center for food and shelter, said Rich Young, assistant director of the center. About 65 percent of the people who access services are older than 35, but many people in their late teens and 20s and families with children are also in need.
Junior Bethany Hogan has brought the class project into many aspects of her life by collecting cans at her other job, she said.
To make a difference in the community is crucial, Hogan said. It allows students to be proactive in the community and make a difference to the people in the community who really need it.
"I couldn't image not having food to feed myself, let alone a family," Hogan said. "But the Jesus Center is helping by providing that much-needed food to the homeless in our community, and everyone gets the opportunity to be a part of that."
Junior Eileen Reyes has signed up to count cans and talk to elementary students about the importance of eating full meals, she said. She is going to local food stores asking for donations.
While Reyes is socially aware of the homeless population in Chico, not all students are, she said.
"We forget about homeless people. We give them money and they go away," she said. "The Harvest Food Drive is a great program because it gives us an opportunity to improve the Chico community by providing assistance to a much neglected and needy population."
There are many reasons to donate but it is easy to overlook many important health and sociological aspects, Reyes said.
Hunger drives people to steal and commit crimes of all sorts, Reyes said. And lack of food makes the body weaker and more susceptible to communicable or infectious diseases.
"The decrease of canned food donations can ultimately hinder Chico's community health," Reyes said. "If we do not seize the effort of helping feed this population, it will only get worse."
The need for food and shelter is basic, important and a necessity for survival, Nevarez said. People never know whom they are helping, but with the Harvest Food Drive they know exactly where their donations are going and that there are dedicated volunteers to facilitate it.
"A lot of people are closer than they think to needing this kind of help," Nevarez said.
Jessica Rhynalds can be reached at
jrhynalds@theorion.com
"This year, our country is facing an economic crisis," said Holly Nevarez, health and community services professor, whose class is working to collect cans. "At this time of year, there is always an increased need for services at the Jesus Center."
Since last November, there has been a 130 percent increase in people coming to the Jesus Center during every meal, she said.
"We see more people of every age, race and gender," Nevarez said. "We are just seeing more people who need help."
Nevarez's "Community Health" course has implemented the Harvest Food Drive.
People of all ages go to the Jesus Center for food and shelter, said Rich Young, assistant director of the center. About 65 percent of the people who access services are older than 35, but many people in their late teens and 20s and families with children are also in need.
Junior Bethany Hogan has brought the class project into many aspects of her life by collecting cans at her other job, she said.
To make a difference in the community is crucial, Hogan said. It allows students to be proactive in the community and make a difference to the people in the community who really need it.
"I couldn't image not having food to feed myself, let alone a family," Hogan said. "But the Jesus Center is helping by providing that much-needed food to the homeless in our community, and everyone gets the opportunity to be a part of that."
Junior Eileen Reyes has signed up to count cans and talk to elementary students about the importance of eating full meals, she said. She is going to local food stores asking for donations.
While Reyes is socially aware of the homeless population in Chico, not all students are, she said.
"We forget about homeless people. We give them money and they go away," she said. "The Harvest Food Drive is a great program because it gives us an opportunity to improve the Chico community by providing assistance to a much neglected and needy population."
There are many reasons to donate but it is easy to overlook many important health and sociological aspects, Reyes said.
Hunger drives people to steal and commit crimes of all sorts, Reyes said. And lack of food makes the body weaker and more susceptible to communicable or infectious diseases.
"The decrease of canned food donations can ultimately hinder Chico's community health," Reyes said. "If we do not seize the effort of helping feed this population, it will only get worse."
The need for food and shelter is basic, important and a necessity for survival, Nevarez said. People never know whom they are helping, but with the Harvest Food Drive they know exactly where their donations are going and that there are dedicated volunteers to facilitate it.
"A lot of people are closer than they think to needing this kind of help," Nevarez said.
Jessica Rhynalds can be reached at
jrhynalds@theorion.com
Items needed
- canned vegetables
- canned fruits
- white and brown sugar
- pancake and biscuit mixes
- pasta and pasta sauce
- large cans of coffee
- large cans of tuna
- oatmeal
- syrup
- mayonnaise and mustard
Nonfood items
- paper products
- socks and underwear
- disposable razors
- bar soap
- blankets and ponchos
Be the first to comment on this story