With the holiday season quickly approaching, people are starting to think about ways to prepare. One of these ways is thorough food. CareNet is a local food pantry that helps people in Macon County.
With rising fuel and food costs, CareNet Executive Director Tim Hogsed said they are seeing more people in need, not just during the holidays, but every day.
Last year the organization distributed 527,000 pounds of food. This year they are on track to meet or exceed that. As of the end of September they had distributed 400,000 pounds of food.
“With the holidays coming up we need more canned items, protein, stuffing and baking products. Turkeys and hams as well,” Hogsed said.
The increased demand for food during the holidays is mixing with the preexisting food needs that exist in our community. “The community need continues to increase and the food supply that is available has continued to decrease. Food that was once purchased in abundance is not as easily accessible,” said CareNet Board Chair Lacy Carpenter. “The rise in the cost of food, gas, etc. have caused some hardships on the community. Families who budget to make it paycheck to paycheck are finding it more difficult to make it to that next paycheck.”
Ways to donate
CareNet always needs donations, and the increasing cost of food is decreasing the amount of donations they are receiving.
“CareNet continues to have incredible donors but the food insecurities in the community have continued to increase, which in turn, has increased the pounds of food that has been distributed on a weekly and bi-weekly basis.” Carpenter said.
She said they are grateful for the people who give to CareNet and would like to see more people get involved as they work to “feed the need” of people in Macon County.
“Macon County is a wonderful community that comes together for those in need,” she said. “The holiday season is a great time to extend an extra hand for those in need.”
First Presbyterian Church will host a concert on Dec. 4 to benefit CareNet. The program will feature the church’s music director, Frank Armato, playing a variety of musical arrangements including classical, show tunes, gospel and folk. The concert begins at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary, located at 26 Church Street in Franklin. Admission is free but a love offering will be taken and First Presbyterian Church will match all monetary donations up to $1,000 dollar-for-dollar. A reception with cookies and cider will follow in Tartan Hall.
CareNet’s annual “Cold for a Cause” will take place this winter at Franklin Plaza. During the event, two volunteers stay outside to help raise awareness of those in our community who may not have a warm place to stay or warm clothing. During the drive, coats, blankets, non-perishable food items and donations are collected.
CareNet operates a thrift shop at 45 Macon Center with proceeds from the store supporting clients and program costs. Food donations can be dropped off at the office, located at 130 Bidwell Street. Monetary donations can also be made online at maconcarenet.org. CareNet is a nonprofit organization. For more information about how to help or to volunteer, call 828-369-2642.