Faithful asked to help collect 75,000 pounds of food for families in need

ARCHDIOCESE — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in cooperation with Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Kroger stores and Fox 19 television, announced the kick-off of the annual "Food From The Heart" campaign.

A kick-off celebration was held at the Hyde Park Plaza Kroger store on Nov. 14 as Kroger donated $2,000 worth of canned goods to jumpstart the drive.

The holiday food drive will run through Dec. 31, with donations of non-perishable items being collected at all Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Kroger locations. The items collected will be distributed to individuals in need throughout the holiday season. Cash donations to support St. Vincent de Paul can also be made at checkout at all participating Kroger stores for the duration of the campaign.

During the 2006 "Food From The Heart" campaign, Cincinnati residents donated 70,656 pounds of food for their neighbors in need, enough to provide a week’s worth of groceries to more than 2,000 people. This year’s goal is 75,000 pounds, or enough to feed nearly 2,150 people for one week.

"St. Vincent de Paul staff and volunteers have seen a significant increase in the number of families with little or no food throughout Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods in 2007," said Liz Carter, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul. "With the holidays being especially difficult for families in need, we are urging everyone in our community to give whatever they can to help. The donation of even one canned good dropped in the barrel after checking out will help add up to our goal and make a difference for those without food."

Collection barrels with "Food From The Heart" signage will be located at all Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Kroger locations. Carter noted there are three simple ways to donate to a neighbor in need:

Purchase non-perishable food items, or bring your own to donate, and drop them in the food collection barrels located at the store entrances.

Give a cash donation to St. Vincent de Paul in-store at Kroger checkouts.

Log onto St. Vincent de Paul’s website, www.svdpcincinnati.org, and click the "Food From The Heart" icon. Choose a donation amount to help feed a family in need.

Most of the food donated to St. Vincent de Paul is distributed in the neighborhoods where it is collected. Excess donations will be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul’s Carl and Edyth Lindner Choice Pantry at the newly renovated Bank Street headquarters. The Choice Pantry emphasizes good nutrition and builds community while allowing clients in the West End, Camp Washington and Millvale areas to select the items they most need for their families. The Choice Pantry provides supplemental groceries to more than 500 families each month.

A list of all participating Kroger stores will be available on the St. Vincent de Paul website. For any additional information, contact St. Vincent de Paul at 513-562-8841, ext. 217.