Thanksgiving is just two weeks from today and food pantries are finding it difficult to provide for others. The need has increased nearly 50 percent over last year at the Maryland Food Bank while donations have dropped.
Rita Nambi is like so many Americans. She has fallen on hard times, having to rely on the Howard County Food Bank after being unemployed for three months.
On Thursday, she stocked up for herself and four kids.
"Right now in my fridge all I have is one jar of juice," said Nambi.
Free meals at school take the burden off of her for breakfast and lunch, but she has to fill the dinner plates. She just started a full-time job. Still she's in transition and needs the free food to get back on her feet.
"It will save me at least $40 or $45," said Nambi.
Donations are dropping. Twenty-thousand fewer pounds of food came into the Howard County Food Bank in October compared to a year ago.
“The donations from food companies overall have decreased dramatically this past year. The need has increased 30-50 percent," said Leslie Marsiglia, the Maryland Food Bank.
Middle class folks, people who never needed the help, are asking for assistance.
The Maryland Food Bank says it's obvious their corporate donors are tying to save money. They used to get donations of cans that were dented or damaged, but instead they're being sold to discount stores.
As the holiday drive begins, there is some concern about having enough food to dish out. But this shopping happens year around to meet basic needs, the needs Rita Nambi and many others never expected they would fulfill at a food pantry.
"It's good to leave some for other people," said Nambi.
The Maryland Food Bank is holding events this weekend to help stock the shelves. The following is from www.mdfoodbank.org:
Stuff-A-Bus 2009!
November 14 and 15 join Mix 106.5, MTA and Giant Good stores collect non-perishable food items to help "stuff" MTA buses at two Giant Food locations. Interested in volunteering? Contact Vanessa Reed at reed@mdfoodbank.org or at 410-737-8282 x 232.
Chatham Station Mall
9200 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD White Marsh Plaza
7944 Honeygo Boulevard
White Marsh, MD
