By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion County Food Bank was given $2,000 from Alternative Gifts International to help feed needy families.

“Because Marion hosts a gift market annually we are eligible to apply for pantry and food bank funds raised at markets all over the nation,” said Jackie Volbrecht, one of the coordinators of Marion’s gift market.

The timing of the grant is especially appreciated, said Cathy Henderson, who coordinates the food bank along with her husband Gerry.

“We’re buying food with it,” Henderson said.

This summer, like all summers, brought an increase in demand at the food bank. Part of that is from kids being out of school and part is from recent layoffs in the area.

From fall through spring, the food bank typically serves about 500 people per month from the 11 communities it serves.

“We served 714 in June and 760 in July,” Henderson said.

The food bank orders monthly from the Kansas Food Bank and buys fresh milk and other products from Carlsons’ Grocery.

Gift markets are held by churches, schools, organizations, and individuals across the country. Ninety percent of money spent on gifts goes projects that include feeding, housing, farming and educational assistance in North, Central, and South America, Asia and Africa.

“Last year the Marion community gift market raised $6,000 for items in our catalogs,” AGI executive director Surinder Moore said.

Each market host can nominate a food pantry or shelter for a grant from AGI.

Volbrecht said this year’s market is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Marion Community Center.