Updated 04/14/2009 05:21 PM
Food pantries get help from kind benefactor
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ALBEMARLE, N.C. – The needs are outpacing the supply at food banks around North Carolina, as the organizations turn to a Rhode Island philanthropist in hopes of getting help.
For the past 12 years, Alan Shawn Feinstein has pledged to match donations to food banks during March and April. He donates up to $1 million every year.
It’s help the Stanly County Food Pantry could use. The group has seen a 13 percent increase from March 2008 to March 2009 in people needing help. Other pantries in the state have seen anywhere from 30-300 percent more people this year compared to last.
“We try to meet all the needs, but hunger is something that we all want to address.”
With numbers of needy citizens increasing, places like the Stanly County Food Pantry are turning to Feinstein for a little support.
“It's one of our biggest fundraisers because they love to give when they know a little bit extra is going to be added to it.”
The Feinstein Challenge helps agencies generate donations far surpassing the $1 million he agrees to match. Last year, the fundraiser helped N.C. food pantries collect $3.4 million in donations -- with Feinstein adding $22,000 to the state.
Food donations also count. Each pound equals a $1 donation.
The 2009 Spring Campaign to Fight Hunger ends April 30. Those interested in helping can contact their local food pantry.
Check out how much money local organizations raised last year thanks to the campaign. Column B is how much each pantry raised, and Column C is how much Feinstein matched.