Haul Out Hunger: East Union School District
posted on Sunday, July 1, 2018
"Over 50% of East Union's students qualify for free or reduced meals," explained Tammy Ross of the East Union School District. "The community has been very supportive with donations of canned goods, but we still need meat and that can be expensive. These pork loins are always so appreciated."
Our journey to Haul Out Hunger in southwest Iowa wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Afton and the East Union ASPIRE "More", a learning center, food pantry and thrift store for the small community of 845. In total, our crew unloaded 36 loins that will provide 864 servings of pork.
“Our special needs students use these loins to prepare casseroles for families in the community,” explained Tammy. “Whether they’re low-income, going through an emergency or could just use a helping hand, the students keep casseroles on hand for those in need.”
In addition to making casseroles, several loins will stay inside the food pantry which opens up to families once a month and on an as-needed basis. And thanks to volunteers like Tammy, the facility transforms into a thrift store that is open to the public once a week.
"Many of the families our organization has helped have come back to volunteer or make donations," said Tammy. "It's those full-circle moments that really make you appreciate this pantry and all that we do for families when they fall on hard times."
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