The United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County in collaboration with members of the National Letter Carriers Association at the Baytown Post Office hosted Stamp Out Hunger with a proclamation provided by City of Baytown Mayor, Brandon Capetillo.
Now in its 33rd year, Stamp Out Hunger continues to be supported by community members who provide much needed non-perishable food items that are then made available to local food pantries. Many pantries receive donations at the holidays, but non-perishables are needed throughout the year.
The need is great as evidenced by the ALICE data that describes the financial issues the working poor face daily. Nearly half of our community is considered to be ALICE – asset limited, income constrained, employed, otherwise known as the working poor. These residents live on the edge of poverty and make difficult decisions each day regarding what they can afford and what they need.
“I deliver food regularly, and [Stamp Out Hunger] means we can reach more people. There are a lot of people in need out there. We do what we can within our own church, but this really helps us expand our coverage and help more people.” said volunteer Steve Arthur from Curt’s Kitchen, a food ministry out of Cedar Bayou Grace Methodist Church. Curt’s Kitchen is a local pantry who has benefited from Stamp Out Hunger for many years.
This year, residents in our community donated nearly 11,000 pounds of nonperishable food items that were distributed to eight local pantries. Efforts such as Stamp Out Hunger help strengthen the capacity of small pantries that are making a big difference in our community. “To the pantries [Stamp Out Hunger] is a shot in the arm. There are only certain items you get through the food bank and through donations. Stamp Out Hunger gives you a wide variety of items. We look at it like Christmas – you never know what you’re going to get, but you’re always going to get things that help you out and will benefit the people that come to you.” said Cedar Bayou Baptist Church pantry manager Karol Waldman.
Need more information about food resources in our community? Visit our website at https://www.unitedwaygbacc.org/basic-needs, or email admin@unitedwaygbacc.org.