United Way Food Drive

Helping families put food on the table

Many challenges ?

"* including that of food insecurity.

The united way of north central iowa is looking to improve that growing challenge.

Kimt news 3's alex jirgens is live in mason city at a food drive the united way is hosting.

Alex ?

"* how's the turnout bee?

Xxx george ?

"* when i was here earlier this morning ?

"* there were some things here on these tables ?

"* then a bit of a lul.

But since then ?

"* folks have been coming by and dropping off food that will benefit those in north iowa.

Non?

"*perishible food items are being accepted ?

"* that includs protein ?

"* canned fruits ?

"* veggies and soup ?

"* breakfast items ?

"* personal care items s well.

Also ?

"* cash and check donations will be accepted.

C?

"*e?

"*o jenn arends says th pandemic has exacerbated the need for a secure way to find a meal ?

"* especially for those who have service "when they miss a day of work or their office or restaurant gets shut down, or if people aren't coming to restaurants as often, that can really impact the service industry and its workers that are people working every single day trying to get by."

Arends points out that in the agency's 8 county region ?

"* about 40 percent of the student population here is on the free and reduced lunch program.

30 percent of the area's population ?

"* about 40 thousand residents ?

"* struggle to make ends meet each day.

Live in mason city ?

"* alex jirgens ?

"* kimt news 3./// thank you alex.

Donations are being accepted through 7 p?

"*m tonight.

All donations will stay in the agency's 8 county region in north iowa.///