From now through the end of February, Broad Ripple Kiwanis members are collecting and donating non-perishable food items for the Crooked Creek Food Pantry. Officials at the Pantry state that the need is very great right now. Prior to COVID-19, one in five households in Marion County was food insecure. The pandemic has made that worse, as so many of the job losses have been in some of the industries where there are many working poor like hospitality, retail and food service.

The list of suggested items includes: peanut butter (regular size/smooth), canned tuna and chicken, grape/strawberry jelly, canned veggies (corn, green beans and diced tomatoes are the most popular) canned fruit (peaches, applesauce and pineapple are the most popular), boxed cereals (kid friendly). Pantry operators state that there is no need to donate extra-large sizes.

The number of clients the Pantry served in 2020 increased 35-40% over 2019. For more information or to help with the Kiwanis effort, please contact Chris Carlson at cc5kitts@sbcglobal.net or contact Crooked Creek Food Pantry directly at https://www.ccfpindy.org/