Extension office to sponsor food drives

The Cass County Extension Office has been asked to sponsor and organize food drives at the county level to benefit local food pantries or the food bank. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas food banks are serving 88% more clients than this time last year.

Feeding Texas reports that food donations are down at a time when demand at food pantries and food banks has exploded as people have lost jobs and income. The number of volunteers at food banks and pantries has also declined by more than 70% causing some food pantries to close due to the inability to serve clients. Others are closing due to a lack of food available to distribute.

Food banks have increased the number of mobile distributions due to the closure of some food pantries. However, people have been turned away from these mobile distribution sites because of food shortages.

The Cass County Extension Office is hosting a Canned Food Drive from May 27 - June 3. The non-perishable items generated will be transported to the First Baptist Church Atlanta-Mission Atlanta location where they will be made available to people in the community.

To contribute to this cause, donations should be brought to 227 E Rush St. Linden, Texas, or donate them directly to the food pantry at First Baptist Church in Atlanta. Pick up is also available. Contact Jessica Rymel, County Extension Agent Ag/NR at (903) 756-5391 Jessica.Rymel@ag.tamu.edu.