FORT EUSTIS, Va –
The holiday season inspires thoughts of families gathering around bountiful dinners, enjoying a wealth of delicious seasonal fare.
Unfortunately for many, these fantastic feasts are just that - a fantasy.
In the spirit of giving, Fort Eustis has teamed up with the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula to make these fantasies a reality. The post is conducting an installation-wide food drive, which runs through Dec. 9.
Collection boxes are located on Fort Eustis at Army Community Service, located at 650 Monroe Ave., the Exchange, Commissary, Balfour Beatty Base Housing and in several military units on the installation.
The Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula serves the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, and the counties of Gloucester, James City, Mathews, Surry and York.
According to Donna Cloy, the ACS Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, military personnel are included in this service.
"The population targeted by the Food Bank is those individuals at risk of losing their food security by nature of the fact that they live at 185 percent or below the poverty level," Cloy said. "Nearly 50,000 people in our area are at risk of food insecurity, and many from outright hunger. In these hard economic times, donations have dropped, but the need has risen by 33 percent."
Items accepted by the Food Bank include:
- Meats, fish and protein: canned tuna, ham or chicken, beef stew, chili, peanut butter, canned or dried beans;
- Fruits and vegetables: 100 percent fruit juice (individual or family size), canned fruits and vegetables, instant potatoes, apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly;
- Complete meals: pasta and sauce, boxed meals, hearty vegetable soups, canned pasta meals (pop-top lid cans, if possible); and
- Grains: cereal, rice, breakfast bars.
"This is a great cause, and it's our way of supporting the community that's done so much to support us," Cloy said. "We want to try to give as many people a happy holiday season as possible."
For more information, call Donna Cloy at 878-3129.