Large turnout for Project: Feed a Neighbor

The fourth annual Project: Feed a Neighbor saw record turnout this weekend across Marquette County.

More than 6,000 pounds of food was collected to restock food pantries for the Salvation Army in Ishpeming, and St. Vincent de Paul stores in Ishpeming, Negaunee and Republic.

“I think the public is getting more and more aware of the need in our community, and the fact that we still have some tough economic times here, and a lot of those families who rely on those food pantries for their meals every day, ” Project coordinator Richard Derby said.  “And, as that awareness grows, we live in a very wonderful community where people always respond to the need of their neighbors.”

The food drive saw more than 100 volunteers involved, including high school students, police officers, churches and other service organizations.

“We’ve had a lot of kids come out to help, and we always want to say thank you to Ishpeming, Westwood and Negaunee high school students, the Hartman High students, boy scout and girl scout units that came to help, ” Derby said.  “And we certainly want to say thank you to the public that made a contribution.  There were just home after home and family after family that had those collection bags curbside for us.”

Food donations are still being accepted at the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul stores.