Hunger remains a daunting problem in the county.
More than 16,000 local residents are considered food insecure, meaning they don’t have regular access to affordable, nutritious food. Local food pantries are serving record numbers of people.
To help make a dent in the overwhelming problem, a pair of Franklin churches have organized a special giveaway on Saturday.
Grace United Methodist Church and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church are working together to distribute 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes. People who want a bag of the potatoes simply need to show up to St. Rose between 9 a.m. and noon, have their potatoes bagged up and take them home.
“People can come and receive as many sweet potatoes as they want,” said Andy Kinsey, pastor at Grace. “This is for families, as well as food pantries and other places in the community that address food insecurity.”
The sweet potatoes are being provided by the Society of St. Andrew, a food ministry that works all over the country. Grace United Methodist Church works with the organization each year for a similar potato drop in December.
But the opportunity to provide sweet potatoes was unexpected, Kinsey said. The organization called him and offered 20 tons to giveaway.
“This just kind of dropped in my lap,” he said. “St. Rose wanted to do something like this in the community, so this allows us to both cooperate together on it.”
As the sweet potato drop has come together, both Grace and St. Rose have lined up volunteers to help with bagging potatoes, setting up the drop-off area and making sure all of the details of the event are put together.
Flyers and notices have gone out to food pantries and other social service agencies throughout the area to make sure everyone knows about it.
The load of sweet potatoes will cost $4,000. Grace United Methodist Church is planning to contribute $1,000, and organizers are partnering with other groups throughout the community to cover the rest, Kinsey said.
Donations from the community are also appreciated, Kinsey said.
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Sweet Potato Distribution
What: A giveaway of bags of sweet potatoes to anyone who needs them.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday
Where: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 114 Lancelot Drive, Franklin
Who can take part: The event is open to the general public, and the potatoes are free.
How to help: Donations are being accepted. Checks may be made out to Grace United Methodist Church. Questions can be directed to Pastor Andy Kinsey at 317-736-7962 or [email protected]
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