Washington For Justice gives 60 meals to families in need

Washington For Justice donated 60 holiday meals to the community on Monday.

Dan Henderson, a group member, stood outside of the Mill Seed Co. Building, as a variety of families stopped by to pick up their meals.

The holiday meal kit fundraiser was started as a way to give back to the community, Henderson said. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Henderson said the group felt this was a way to help people through 'food justice.”

The group worked with Latinos for Washington, Optimae LifeServices and other individuals in the community to identify families in need.

The group asked for donations from residents to provide the meals. More than $3,000 was raised, Henderson said.

There were two different kits, a traditional Midwestern turkey or ham meal, or a Latino meal. Henderson said the group worked with Hy-Vee, Fareway and La Morenita to put together the meals.

Henderson said he was surprised how quickly the fundraiser took off. He was initially expecting to have around 25 meals.