Local food pantries are getting a big summer boost thanks to the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
United Way is currently holding its Christmas in June food drive across Berrien and Cass Counties. The food drive was created to give food pantries the kind of boost in summer that is typically seen around the holidays.
“We heard from many of the pantries that we work with that they are inundated with donations during the holiday season, but once summer rolls around, the donations really fade away,” said Charlotte Becker, Director of Annual Campaign at United Way of Southwest Michigan.
At the St. Joseph drop off location at Upton Middle School, volunteers were sorting non-perishable food items and toiletries to local pantries be delivered tomorrow. United Way will also be giving the pantries books leftover from a previous drive a few months ago.
“We collected about 10,000 books, so we have some leftovers that we’re going to give to the pantries as well, so that when kids go and they’re shopping for food, they can also grab a book on their way out,” Becker said.
You can donate to local food pantries year round. You can find a complete list at the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website, uwsm.org.
