Lower Columbia College is urging the community to join a campaign against local hunger.
“More than 5,000 LCC students are working hard each day to improve their lives through education that leads to secure, family wage jobs. Nearly half of our students are parents struggling to make ends meet while completing college,” LCC President Chris Bailey said in an open letter to the community. “Donations to the Help Warehouse can help them meet family needs and stay in school.”
Bailey noted that more than half of local parents in Cowlitz County reported skipping or limiting a meal in 2011 to feed their children.
LCC faculty, staff and students have joined a food drive challenge issued by Cowlitz PUD to area businesses. Food collection containers are available in the LCC Student Center and Admissions Center. Residents are also invited to Harvest Fest on Oct. 30, a family-friendly event featuring games, treats and a costume contest. Admission to the student-sponsored event is two cans of food.
Food will be donated to the Help Warehouse, a local food bank operated by the Lower Columbia Action Program. The drive ends Oct. 31.
