Food giveaway runs out fast

WASHINGTON — A meal kit giveaway organized by area organizations Washington For Justice and Latinos for Washington over the weekend managed to provide 70 of the kits to community members, a record high for the event, which is entirely funded by donations.

Despite the high water mark, however, organizers said they ran out of food before their scheduled start time at 11 a.m., after volunteers started early handing it out early.

“The need is definitely out there and was more than we could satisfy, even with the 70 kits,” said Bethany Glinsmann, associate director of Washington For Justice and a Latinos For Washington board member. “It was really sad, and a hard thing to do, to tell people that we had already given away all the food when they showed up to ask for it.”

Given the unsatisfied demand for food, Glinsmann said the groups may consider options in other seasons.

“What I’m really interested in is the rest of the year,” she said. “Food insecurity happens year-round, not just at the holidays. But at the holidays, it kind of becomes more front and center … I’m not sure what the future will look like, but the need’s definitely there. We’ll see what we can brainstorm.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com