The need for emergency food relief has increased dramatically in southern Madison County. Decreases in some federal funding, as well as limited job availability, place a proportionally higher burden on lower income households. In response to this need, Students for Appalachia and CELTS, sponsor a community-wide food drive to benefit the Berea Food Bank.

The Berea Food Bank is sponsored by the Berea Faith Community Outreach. Local churches, individuals and regional food distribution agencies are tapped to provide staple groceries for a full week, in proportion to the size of the family. Clients may receive food up to 3 times in a six month period. 420 family units were served in 2003.

Bags will be distributed to as many houses in the Berea city limits as possible beginning on Sunday, October 23 and ending on Thursday, October 27. Volunteers will pick up bags on Saturday, October 29. All bags for pick up should be placed in a prominent area so that they can be easily seen from the street. All bags should be out by 9:00 a.m. and will be picked up sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Items most needed include hot and cold cereals, pasta, soup and stew assortments, chili, peanut butter, jelly, hamburger helper, spaghetti and sauce, tuna, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, rice, beans, sugar and flour.