County helping Harvesters

Jackson County and Harvesters food pantry have teamed up to raise much-needed food for the organization.

 County employees are putting on a fundraising drive where Harvesters will have bins at each of the two county courthouses. People who want can drop off non-perishable food items inside the bins until Nov. 10.

Harvesters feeds nearly 60,000 people through a network of more than 550 non-profit agencies covering 13 counties in Missouri and Kansas.

But there’s been an increase in demand within the past year as tough economic times exist, according to Karen Haren, Harvesters president and chief executive officer.

Historically, the organization distributes 6 percent more every year – until this year. Since the beginning of 2008, it has seen a 30 percent increase in the number of pounds of food distributed.

Based on a survey of network pantries and kitchens, the demand for emergency food assistance is currently up 50 percent and is continuing to rise. As a result, Harvesters has distributed more food than ever before, circulating  600,000 pounds more in July to September to its network pantries and kitchens. In fact, the demand for emergency food assistance is currently up 50 percent and is continuing to rise, Haren said.

Half of recipients are children, she said. So the county’s fundraiser is much appreciated by Harvesters, Haren said.