UFO to begin 2015 food distribution program January 9

UFO meeting 11-12-14
United Food Operation Chairperson Elaine Harris leads the discussion, as program volunteers and community food pantry representatives brainstorm on enhancing the 2015 winter food distribution program.

Many ideas were contributed as United Food Operation, Inc. (UFO)  held its organization meeting for the 2015 winter food distribution season. With the treasurer’s report showing the group will begin the 2015 program season with about $8,000 less than last year, much of the discussion centered on fundraising.

“We understand money is tight, but still there are those who need our help,” said Elaine Harris, UFO chairperson as she expressed the group’s commitment to find more resources.

The organization will conduct its 33rd annual food distribution program from January 9 to March 28, 2015.  The program helps 12 local food pantries in Kanawha and Putnam counties get through the tough winter months.

It was determined that UFO needs to raise an additional $36,000 between now and the end of March if it is to maintain the same level of support  it provided food pantries last year.

Each year, United Food Operation program provides additional food to the pantries during a 12-week winter-to-spring period — a time during which many families struggle with high heating bills that cut into their food budgets. UFO provides this support to the pantries  at no cost to them.

The 2015 program will again operate out of space donated by Bayer CropScience at the Institute Industrial Park.

“We really appreciate Bayer’s providing us warehouse distribution space for the upcoming year,” Harris said. “They have been so generous through the years. I don’t know where we’d be without them.”

The 2015 distribution center will be located next door to the building that has been used the past several years. The former distribution center building is scheduled for demolition as the industrial park continues to experience changes and redevelopment.

United Food Operation meeting
Pantry representatives and UFO volunteers discuss the upcoming United Food Operation program season, which begins January 9, 2015.

Food pantry representatives at the meeting included those from Five Loaves–Two Fish, Poca; Nitro Community Services; EnAct, Inc, which operates in Clendenin, Montgomery and Chesapeake; Christian Community Cupboard, Hurricane; Covenant House, Charleston; Mountain Mission, Charleston; Sissonville Community Food Pantry; The Salvation Army, Charleston; and St. Albans Community Food Pantry. Representatives from Heart and Hand of South Charleston were unable to attend the meeting but will also participate again this winter.

United Food Operation, Inc. is a total volunteer operation with no paid staff and operates out of donated warehouse and office space. All donations it receives from the public go to purchase food.