Jacksonville, N.C. (WITN) - Onslow Memorial Hospital is taking a significant step in ensuring the well-being of children by organizing a remarkable food drive. This initiative showcases the hospital's unwavering commitment to putting the needs of the younger generation first. "Feeding Hope: Onslow Memorial's Food Drive for Children"
Hospital's Initiative and Partnership
Since September, Onslow Memorial Hospital has been actively receiving food donations in preparation for the highly anticipated food drive on Thursday. The hospital has joined forces with the United Way of Onslow County's Children Healthy Eating on the Weekends (CHEW!) program. Shelly Kieweg, the director of family stability at United Way of Onslow County, emphasizes the scale of their efforts. "We serve over 1,000 kids every year," she says. "Among them, more than 750 are in the Jacksonville hub, and that's who we are specifically targeting with this food drive."This partnership highlights the hospital's dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of local children. The collaborative effort between the hospital and the United Way is a powerful demonstration of community support and unity.Preparing for the Food Drive
On Thursday, members of the hospital and the United Way of Onslow County dedicated hours to setting up the food drive. They meticulously filled 750 bags with a variety of snacks, ranging from granola bars to pop tarts and pasta. Each bag was carefully crafted to include a complete meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This attention to detail ensures that the children receive a well-rounded and nutritious package.The process of preparing these bags was a labor of love, with everyone involved understanding the importance of providing food security for the children. It was a collaborative effort that brought together the resources and efforts of both the hospital and the United Way.Understanding Food Insecurity
Keiweg shares a personal perspective on food insecurity. "My mom tried to raise five kids by herself. It was a challenging task. She did her best, but there were many times when we didn't have enough food in our house." This anecdote highlights the real-life struggles that families face when it comes to ensuring their children have enough to eat.The Onslow County Health Department provides valuable statistics on food insecurity. In North Carolina, the rate is 11.8%, while nationally it is 10.4%. However, in Onslow County, the need for food security is significantly higher at 13.4%. Marketing and Public Relations Manager Victoria Morales emphasizes the ongoing nature of this issue. "Our last couple of community health needs assessments have clearly shown the importance of addressing food insecurity and food deserts."This data serves as a reminder of the urgent need for initiatives like the Onslow Memorial Hospital's food drive. It highlights the local impact of food insecurity and the role that community organizations can play in addressing this critical issue.Distributing the Bags
The bags filled on Thursday will be sent out on Friday and distributed to schools in the area. This ensures that the food reaches the children where they need it most - at school. By providing food during the school day, the Onslow Memorial Hospital and the United Way are not only addressing immediate hunger but also supporting the educational well-being of the children.This distribution process is a crucial part of the food drive, as it ensures that the children have access to nutritious food throughout the week. It is a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of these children and help them focus on their studies.The Onslow Memorial Hospital's food drive is a shining example of community collaboration and care. By prioritizing the needs of children and addressing food insecurity, the hospital and the United Way are making a lasting impact on the lives of local families. This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together to support those in need and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.Copyright 2024 WITN. All rights reserved.
