NE Dragway Collects Over 1000 Meals For The NH Food Bank
June 17, 2008
EPPING, NH — Fans of the New England Dragway’s Jet Wars event donated over 1000 meals to the NH Food Bank on Saturday. The Dragway’s promotion offered $5 off admission to anyone who brought urgently needed items to fill the truck parked at the gate, such as canned tuna, chicken, soup or beans, peanut butter, tomato sauce, pasta, rice and beans.
“We were happy to see the support our race fans provided to the New Hampshire Food Bank. Drag racers and fans of the sport have the reputation of always being ready to lend a hand both on and off the track. We intend to keep this program going throughout our entire major event season. It’s a worthwhile cause. We’re glad we could help,” explained New England Dragway Track Manager Joe Lombardo.
“These efforts come at a critical time of need, with food and fuel prices climbing”, said Melanie Gosselin, Executive Director at the NH Food Bank.
Simply put, supply is down and demand is up.
On the supply side, grocery stores and manufacturers have improved their inventory controls, so 100,000 pounds less is being donated per month.
On the demand side, there is a 39% increase due to the shocking price of fuel and the sharp rise in food costs.
The 350+ food pantries that the NH Food Bank supplies state-wide aren’t just a safety net for those at poverty levels anymore. More & more neighbors that would traditionally be considered middle-class are being forced to choose between putting gas in the car or food on the table.
Summer is an especially devastating time for children that survive on breakfast and lunch programs during the school year. Now that school is out, these children are at-risk.
The NH Food Bank is working on creative solutions to provide healthy food to those in need and address the root causes of hunger. The ‘Recipe for Success’ program includes a licensed commercial kitchen for culinary training, nutrition education classes, and the fresh rescue and distribution of meat for protein-rich meals. The Food Bank has also established a production garden, in partnership with the Youth Development Center. The ‘Backpack Program’ allows children to bring home nutritious food in the context of a fun, interactive activity on weekends & during school vacations.
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