Marion County Emergency Food Bank coordinator Janet Bryant spoke to Marion Kiwanis on Tuesday. At the end of her presentation, Kiwanis made a $175 donation to the food bank.
The food bank was started in 1985 after the local Social and Rehabilitative Services office — there was one in Marion at the time — noticed a need but was prohibited from starting a food bank, Bryant said.
Church Women United answered the call and opened the food bank at Valley United Methodist Church. The food bank moved, but then moved back to the church, where it remains.
To receive food, a family needs a referral from a pastor. The food bank is open from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.
In addition to food, the food bank can give families a $25 voucher to use at Carlsons’ Grocery. Funds for vouchers come from CROP Walk and other donors.
Several organizations have food drives throughout the year. Bryant said Christmas and Thanksgiving are strong times for donations, but the summer is a lean time while families in need can’t rely on school lunches.
In other business:
- Al Ash reported that five members attended an interclub meeting Saturday with the Emporia club, attending their pancake feed fundraiser.
- Kiwanians will help set up for a blood drive March 20 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Setup will be during the noon hour.
- Greg Bowers led the club in singing.
- There were 17 members and one guest at the meeting.