Lexington Assisted Living Collects Over Half Ton of Food to Help Local Food Bank

Every single day in the United States families do not have enough to eat. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 17 million children lived in food insecure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2009. The number of families in need of assistance from food pantries has increased dramatically during the current economic crisis in our country. The increased demand has put a lot of pressure on food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters to keep shelves stocked and to have the resources to meet the need.

On August 15, 2011, the Agape Senior Assisted Living facilities from across the state completed a three month long food drive to help several South Carolina food bank agencies. The eight Agape entities were able to collect 1.7 tons of non-perishable food to help restock the shelves of Harvest Hope, Low Country Food Bank, and Tender Heart Ministries in York County.

Agape Senior Lexington was the contest winner, collecting 1,122 pounds of food, followed closely by Agape Senior Laurens with 1,085 pounds, and Agape Senior Harbison coming in third with 365 pounds collected. The remaining facilities were Agape Senior Conway with 202 pounds, Agape Senior Rock Hill with 200 pounds, Agape Senior Kathwood with 164 pounds, Agape Senior West Columbia with 115 pounds, and Agape Senior Garden City with 94 pounds.

Hunger is a huge, complex problem that cannot be easily solved. The dedicated people on the front lines who fight the battle daily need all of the support they can get. The cooperation between businesses, community leaders, churches, and volunteers has created a safety net that is balancing precariously between supply and demand. If you are concerned about hunger in South Carolina or in your local community and would like to get involved, contact your local food bank for volunteer opportunities.

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia.