Donations Are Down While The Need For Food Is Up

Organizations that serve the homeless in Southwest Virginia and in East Tennessee said the face of the homeless is changing. More families and the working poor are now coming to shelters and food pantries for help.

By: Bill Christian | TriCities.com
Published: June 24, 2008

Officials with the Second Harvest Food Bank in Northeast Tennessee said on Tuesday that the demand for food continues to rise, while donations are down.
"When I turn and I see that we have some drinks on the shelves right now here on the racks and there are racks empty, I know we have a problem in East Tennessee," said Ellen Stroud, Second Harvest Food Bank.
Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to 200 agencies in the region and those agencies in turn serve 27-thousand people every month. Officials said more families and now in need of food.
"They are at the point where they have to swallow their pride and say enough is enough, I have to feed my children," Stroud said.
The Johnson City Salvation Army helps families and individuals get back on their feet during a financial crisis. They said the face of the homeless is changing.
"It used to be that the typical homeless person was a male and now it's children and women and families," said Joy Adorante, Johnson City Salvation Army.
If you would like to help, the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will accept all donations, but they especially could use canned meats, cereal, pastas and even fresh produce.

Donations Are Down While The Need For Food Is Up

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