The Hunger Task Force is a coalition of food pantries in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties. The Hunger Task Force publishes the Tri-County Food Resource Guide, raises awareness about hunger in our community, and works closely with community partners to increase the food supply for fragile families needing food assistance. To find out how you can help support local pantries, call Dottie Kastigar at 636-978-2277 ex. 407.
Programs & Activities
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Annual Rotary Club Food Drive: Since 2004, local Rotary Clubs have sponsored a food drive each year due to low food pantry inventories during the summer months. Area food pantries receive the Rotary food drive donations. Other recent food drives benefiting the Hunger Task Force include Interfaith Partnership - St. Charles, and the St. Louis Renaissance Festival.
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Bulk Food Purchase: Each summer, the Hunger Task Force uses donated funds from Mary Martha Thrift Shop, the Rotarians, and other community partners to purchase items to supplement low summer inventories. Since 2007, an Old Newsboys grant has provided additional funds for cheese and meat to increase sources of protein for children. Area food pantries participate in the distribution.
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Resources for Fragile Families: The Hunger Task Force recognizes that food pantry volunteers have frequent contact with fragile families and opportunities to link them with other community resources. On-going communication with pantries updates food pantries with new resources that may be helpful for the families they serve.
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Community Education: Task Force members continue to participate in school and community presentations and fairs to represent the work of all food pantries. The Hunger Task Force also provides a copy of our food resource guide to participants at our annual Community Networking Forum.
- Saturday Jubilee: In 2009, the Community Council Hunger Task Force partnered with Operation Food Search and SENTralized to conduct a one-day food drive at 22 local grocery stores. 500 Volunteers collected approximately 50,000 food items for local pantries. Held annually in July, the project continues to grow each year. Visit the Saturday Jubilee website for more information.
