TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— As the holidays grow close, Catholic Charities wants to raise extra awareness for hunger during Hunger Action Month.
Its Development Manager Jessica Murphy said people can help out in many different ways.
“On the third Saturday of each month, our food bank holds a bread and produce market, and we are always looking for volunteers to distribute that food into the community,” said Murphy. “Locally, people can reach out to their local soup kitchens or other food pantries because they are always looking for volunteers to serve.”
The need is greater than some might realize. Nearly 40,000 people in the Wabash Valley are struggling with the issue.
“We take a lot of pride in the fact that we are helping our food insecure neighbors,” said Murphy. “Those are the people that we see and interact with every day.”
Murphy said that this month is a perfect time for something like this as we head into the holiday months.
“Food insecurity takes place 365 days a year, so being able to have a month where we are able to really draw attention and raise some awareness is very important,” said Murphy. “It brings in new volunteers and new donations as we head into the holiday months.”
Murphy said deciding between putting food on the table or paying bills is a dilemma that no family should have to encounter.
“Local working families here in our community are really starting to feel the struggle of inflation,” said Murphy. “As we head into the holidays, we don’t want to family to have to choose between putting a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal on the table and paying for their utilities.”
Anyone interested in contributing towards these efforts can find a way to do so here.
