The Cupboards Are Bare.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

The food banks and related agencies in our District are in dire need of our help. The shelves at the food banks are almost bare. We all know about the down turn in the economy, higher energy costs and related problems our country is experiencing. Unfortunately, these problems disportionately hit the poor and compound the problems of persons who were already struggling to survive. The majority of the needy in the community are women and children. The Anti-Hunger Resource Committee hopes that each Club will try to undertake projects this year to help alleviate these problems. The Committee will run specific campaigns this year just before Thanksgiving and during the month of March to encourage Clubs to give support for the needy in their communities. There are also plans for a food collection program for the RYLA participants. (Last year it was a big success!)

The Anti-Hunger Resource Committee is always standing by to help the Clubs develop projects. Our committee members have significant experience in this area and are always willing to help. We can also arrange speakers for your Club from local food banks, help you arrange tours of the various facilities and make suggestions for various fundraisers. Remember that the District has a matching grant problem that can help your Club magnify the impact of your Club's anti-hunger projects.

Last year, the committee started a data base to compile the various anti-hunger activities undertaken by our Clubs. It is very impressive when you look at the efforts of our Clubs in a cumulative manner. It also helps to share ideas between our Clubs and to promote best practices. We are asking each Club to keep us informed as to their anti-hunger activities to be added to this data base.

To contact the District Anti-Hunger Resource Committee, please either e mail Chairperson Joe Slert at or call him at 1-301-725-2928. He will refer you to the proper committee member. Please remember that your help is badly needed!