Neighborhood Food Bank, Forest City— Haul Out Hunger
posted on Thursday, June 27, 2019
"I've been here for over 20 years and it's the same thing that keeps me coming back. The people that we're helping," said Wayne Johns of the Neighborhood Food Bank in Forest City. "We have a lot of single mothers come in here with their children and they leave with food they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. I think we’re helping the ones that truly need it most."
Fueled by generosity, kindness and servant leadership, Neighborhood Food Bank represents the idyllic charm of rural America. The number of volunteers that show up weekly to lend a helping hand is impressive. In fact, when our team stopped by today to deliver pork loins we weren’t sure if the pantry was open or volunteers were just there to fellowship—the laughter among their group was contagious.
There is truly a giving spirit at the Neighborhood Food Bank and our Haul Out Hunger crew couldn’t have been happier to leave 156 pork loins for the clients and families they serve.
The pork loins donated today will provide 2,808 servings of pork for local families in Winnebago County.
"After retitring from the Winnebago plant I wanted to give back to the community," said Tim Claymeier, who has been volunteering at the food bank for several years. "It's a very fulfilling experience and rewarding to see so many community members support a common cause."
Open every Monday afternoon and anytime on an as-needed basis, the food bank relies on 12-15 regular volunteers to serve 180- 200 families a month.
In addition to today's donation of 780 pounds of pork, the food bank relies on local businesses, churches, schools and even the local coop to help keep their shelves stocked.
"We're very fortunate to have the support that we do," said Tim. "Agriculture is very strong in this area and it's not uncommon for local farmers to donate ground beef or pork, and there are even farmers that donate a share of their harvest profits to us via the coop, but a large donation of quality meat like this is very uncommon and we are so grateful."
Subscribe to our newsletter: Get fresh articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe