CityView Magazine

RICHARD A. GALT ATTORNEY- AT-L AW BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS/CORPORATE LAW BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN REAL PROPERTY LAW: RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL TRANSACTIONS 2533 RAEFORD RD. • (910) 223-1300 Thank you for letting us serve you for the past 26 years CityViewNC.com | 63 those in need. In Cumberland County 27,000 children are receiving reduced rate lunches, according to Griffin. Jodi Phelps, Communications Manager for CCAP, believes that for many of these children, the lunch served at school is the only meal they can count on. Consequently, Food Bank has partnered with the Junior League to begin the Backpack Program which sponsors children from area schools by supplying them with healthy foods to take home in their backpacks. "1,198 bags were distributed last week," said Angel Robles, Food Bank Warehouse Supervisor who oversees operations of the warehouse (35,000 ft dry storage and 80,000 ft refrigerated/ freezer space) to ensure safe products are distributed to consumers. With recent statewide economic downfalls, many families have felt the impact. The agency is seeing hardworking professionals who were once living the American dream asking for help. Due to layoffs, these folks are choosing between paying their mortgages or buying food. Phelps says this should be an eye opener to everyone because one day you might be in a similar situation. Another group of individuals who are suffering are the elderly. According to Hunger in America 2006, senior citizens had to choose between paying for food and paying for medical care. This continues to be a problem for area seniors whose social security and retirement incomes are unable to stand up to increasing costs of living and medical care. Each year the Food Bank rescues from grocers over 5,000,000 pounds of nutritious food (canned goods, fruits and vegetables, meats, bread, dry packaged foods, etc.) that would have otherwise been disposed of. In addition, the Food Bank also receives non-food donations such as bikes, furniture, and clothing. Griffin emphasized that the need for food assistance is "always there." He noted that between 2005-2007 there was a 35% increase in the demand for food. "There has been a dramatic increase in requests for services," said Phelps. "Unemployment creates another tier of people we are serving." Phelps feels thankful that CCAP along with Food Bank are able to help their neighbors, but they continue to rely on food donations and monetary contributions as well as funding such as the State Nutritional Assistance Program provided by the North Carolina General Assembly to continue providing aid. Griffin stressed they also rely on the community, businesses and elected officials for advocacy in order to bring awareness of hunger. Phelps said they often see people whom the agency has helped in the past come back to volunteer. "They want to pass it on to others," said Phelps, "Some volunteers are struggling, but feel enough compassion that they want to help." CV If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to fight hunger in our area, contact: Second Harvest Food Bank, 406 Deep Creek Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312, (910) 485-4394 or visit their website www.ccap-inc.org or email drivingouthunger@nc.rr.com.

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