'Feed the Need' grocery project continues

A successful food collection project started at the Christmas holiday season will continue on an as-needed basis.

"Feed the Need for Christian Needs" was started by the United Church Women (UCW) organization at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in cooperation with Fareway and Hy-Vee grocery stores in Le Mars.

"We took 67 bags of food to the Christian Needs Center at Christmas," said member Wendy Geiger.

"For a first-time project, that's really an outpouring from the community."

The concept was simple: grocery store customers could purchase a pre-packaged bag of food for $10, $15 or $25. The bag was then kept at the store, and a volunteer would deliver the bags to the Christian Needs Center.

"Christian Needs was really pleased with the food drive," said Geiger.

The project was evaluated after the holidays.

After meeting with Christians Needs Center Director Jess Larson and store managers from Hy-Vee and Fareway, the decision was made to continue the project as needed.

When the Christian Needs Center shelves are getting low on food, Larson will put out the call for food items.

The bags will then be packaged and set out at the grocery stores where customers will see them and know the center needs food.

"When you see the bag, you know there's a need," said Geiger.

Geiger calls Le Mars a very generous community for its support of the project.

"We who are so blessed need to help others out," she said. She notes the job situation in the area is tough.

"There have been people going to the center who never thought they'd need to go there," Geiger said.

"'Feed the Need' provides a visual reminder for all of us that there are needs in the community," Geiger said.