These days, hunger is a worldwide problem that affects people from all walks of life.
Throughout July, Santa Maria’s Grocery Outlet will stand up to hunger as it begins its first-ever Independence from Hunger campaign to collect food and monetary donations.
For this event, each company in the Grocery Outlet network chooses with whom it wants to partner. The Santa Maria Grocery Outlet has chosen to partner with the Good Samaritan Shelter of Santa Maria.
Good Samaritan Shelter first opened as an emergency shelter in January 1988 with 28 beds. Due to increased need, the agency had to expand its services. According to the Good Sam website, the shelter serves 300 people a night and is currently the largest homeless shelter provider in Northern Santa Barbara County. The shelter also offers treatment services for alcohol and drug abuse.
Working together to fight the hunger plague, Good Sam and Santa Maria Grocery Outlet hope to raise at least $3,000 during the campaign.
That means $100 a day in donations.
Both organizations are making it easy for customers to make contributions. At Grocery Outlet, food items the shelter currently needs are specially marked. Customers can buy these items and place them in the collection bin at the front of the store.
A second option for customers is to tell the cashier they would like to make a donation. All of the proceeds will be given directly to Good Sam. Anyone is welcome to donate his or her own canned goods to the donation bins in front of the store as well.
For owner Rhonda Andriessen, participating in this campaign is important to the Santa Maria Grocery Outlet.
“This is a good way for us to give back to the community,” she said. “We have worked with the Good Samaritan Shelter before, and it is a good place for Santa Maria residents to go.
“As local business owners, we are committed to supporting our local community and neighbors in need,” she said.
For more information about food insecurity, hunger, and what you can do to help those in need at local and national levels, stop by the Santa Maria Grocery Outlet at 1948 S. Broadway or visit goodsamshelter.net. m
Intern Kristina Sewell compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 7-14, 2011.