LANCASTER, Pa. — Water Street Mission kicks off the Food Drive Challenge today by asking the community to help it achieve its goal of 110,000 pounds of food donated. The food helps feed the unhoused ahead of the holidays as well as makes sure they have a hot meal.
“For somebody coming off the street, this is often the first step they take towards restoration as a meal in our dining hall so to be cold on the street or losing your place…means the world to some people,” said Matt Clement, marketing director of Water Street Mission.
Last year, the goal was to raise 94,000 pounds of food by partnering with local businesses and individual donations. Water Street Mission was able to exceed that goal, which helped them provide 300 meals a day. This year's goal not only exceeds the amount they succeeded in last year but also calls attention to the growing need in the community.
“Last year, we used to have some open seats, but now it really feels like it’s really packed,” said Clement. “Any supports out there because of COVID are now fully gone, and so we’re seeing people who couldn’t afford things in the past, coming to our doors.”
Some of the items the Mission is looking for include:
- Boxed cereal
- Boxed stuffing mix
- Canned fruit
- Canned meats (Spam/tuna)
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soup
- Canned yams or sweet potatoes
- Coffee (beans or ground)
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Juice (orange and apple – plastic)
- Ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise
- Oatmeal
The Water Street Mission Food Drive challenge kicks off today and goes until Dec. 22. For a list of more items, drop-off locations or how to get involved, click here.