College Partners with the Southern Maryland Food Bank
The College of Southern Maryland is partnering with the Southern Maryland Food Bank (SMFB) to sponsor a food drive as part of this years celebration of Chautauqua 2007, “Food for Thought.” The food drive will run July 9 – 12 on the La Plata Campus, prior to each evening performance.
The SMFB is one of five subsidiary distribution organizations of the statewide Maryland Food Bank. Located in Hughesville, the SMFB provides resources for more than 50 pantries in Southern Maryland. Representatives from the various food pantries drive to Hughesville to collect donated items to distribute to the clients they serve.
“Our pantries rely on us, because the public relies on them. This is why the Southern Maryland Food Bank is so vital to the community,” said Brenda DiCarlo, SMFB program manager.
“A lot of people in Charles County need food. The kids and the elderly are our biggest concern,” said Ray Allen, who runs the food bank for the Hughesville Baptist Church. “We are open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and we see a lot of grandparents come in who are raising their grandchildren on a limited budget.”
The Food Bank has a traditional food wish list for donation items. The staples that are most often needed include items such as canned goods consisting of fruits, vegetables, tuna and soups. For dry goods, the suggested donation items are pasta, macaroni and cheese, cereal and rice products.
While food items are the most commonly donated items, sometimes the families are in need of non-food items. “These families have to choose between food, bills and sometimes, even personal hygiene items,” said DiCarlo. “Since people have to make these tough choices, donations of personal and dental hygiene items are of great value as well,” she added.
During the week of Chautauqua July 9-12, volunteers will be stationed on the campus between 6 and 7 p.m. each evening to collect donations. For information on the food drive, call 301-274-0695.
“Chautauqua 2007: Food for Thought,” will include actors portraying Upton Sinclair on July 9, Julia Child on July 10, Cesar Chavez on July 11 and George Washington Carver on July 12. Each night will begin with music and include Stephen Johnson July 9, Eric Scott July 10, the CSM Latin Ensemble July 11, and David and Ginger Hildebrand July 12.
Chautauqua is sponsored by Maryland Humanities Council and CSM, and is open to all ages at no charge. Food is available beginning at 6 p.m., or you may bring a picnic with a lawn chair or a blanket (no alcoholic beverages permitted). For information on Chautauqua, call 301-934-7828, 240-725-5499, 443-550-6199 or 301-870-2309, Ext. 7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/FineArts/.