The first Sumpter Township Forgotten Harvest food distribution was successful, but officials hope that more community residents will take advantage of the program.
During the July 27 meeting of the board of trustees, Township Finance Director Deputy Supervisor Michelle Cole reported that the effort was able to distribute food to 85 households, or enough to serve 245 individuals.
She said that Forgotten Harvest personnel had prepared 180 boxes of food for distribution on July 26, and that they were hoping to reach more people in need in the township.
A third food distribution is set for 2:30 until 4:30 Aug. 23 at the Sumpter Community Center, 25501 Sumpter Road.
Forgotten Harvest has been fighting hunger and waste for more than three decades, according to the organization website. Volunteers from the organization retrieve surplus food from grocery stores, markets, restaurants, caterers and others and then deliver it, free-of-charge, to emergency food providers. The group also grows fresh food at Forgotten Harvest Farms, which is distributed to those in need. Food from the organization helps those who are food-insecure and struggling to cover the cost of basic necessities and bridge the income gap.
The mission of the organization is to relieve hunger and prevent the waste of nutritious food.
