Pocono News Section

Scranton Food Drive Helps Boost Pantry Supplies

Scranton Food Drive Helps Boost Pantry Supplies - Monday, October 12, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Oct 12, 2009 @ 05:40pm EDT
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A group in Lackawanna County is doing its part to help struggling food pantries. The Junior League of Scranton held a food drive Monday afternoon at the Scranton Farmer's Market.

For seven hours, the group collected food in the cold conditions. Organizers say the turnout was excellent and the agency that is benefitting says it will make all the difference in the world.

"We just want to help. We saw an article in the paper and there's just a need right now. Local pantries are hit hard and we just feel the need to help and do what we can," Diana Hill with the Junior League of Scranton said.

All of the food collected Monday will go to benefit the United Neighborhood Centers. The shelves inside their pantry on Olive Street have been wiped clean. Officials say there has been a big increase in need.

"Our shelves have been very low for the last several months as we've seen the number of people seeking food increase," Lea Dougherty, Deputy Executive Director, said.

Officials say small drives set-up by groups and schools in the community have meant all the difference. The food is going out as quickly as it comes in.

"We are seeing probably 30-40 individuals or families a day coming in for bags of groceries so if they get us enough to get us through three, four or five days, that's wonderful," Dougherty said.

Back at the Scranton farmers market, organizers of the food drive knew they were making a difference. They say the community is the real winner though, because people always step up to help.

"It's been great. People here have been wonderful. The farmer's market has been really supportive in trying to get the word out," Hill said.

If you missed Monday's food drive, officials from the United Neighborhood Centers in Scranton are always accepting donations. You can drop off food Monday-Friday from 9:00 - 5:00 PM at the following address:

United Neighborhood Centers
410 Olive Street
Scranton, PA 18505

(570) 207-4950