Published: June 30, 2009 11:29 pm      

Food drive must go on

Several collection points planned in Central Park

Ashland — A 15-year Summer Motion tradition of helping feed the hungry will continue this year, but because of the change in venue, it will be a bit different.

In 1994, the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club launched what was to be a one-time food drive at what was then known as the Tri-State Fair & Regatta.

The Kiwanians set up a collection station at the 15th Street entrance to the Ashland boat dock to accept donations of food and money on behalf of River Cities Harvest, a local nonprofit organization that provides food to agencies that help feed the hungry such as the Community Kitchen, Hillcrest-Bruce Mission and Helping Hands.

That first effort was so successful, it became an annual affair with Kiwanians and River Cities Harvest volunteers collecting food and donations from those attending the riverfront concerts. Country music star Naomi Judd participated in the annual event for a few years, and she continues to be responsible for a semi-truck load of food and hygiene items from Feed the Children being delivered to Ashland each summer.

The 2009 Summer Motion food drive will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, but moving the concerts from the riverfront to Central Park has caused some changes. Instead of being in one location, Kiwanians and River Cities Harvest volunteers will collect donations at several stations in the park.

“We’re interested to see how the change of venue will affect the donations,” said Lucy Davis, operations coordinator for River Cities Harvest. “The need is extreme this year, but we live in a community of caring people. We know our neighbors will respond to the need.”

Concertgoers are asked to bring nonperishable food. Items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, boxed macaroni and cheese and other high-protein foods are needed, but any food donation is usable and appreciated. The food will be distributed to local food pantries.

Donations will also be accepted and used to purchase food for local agencies that serve the needy. In the past, cash donations have exceeded the value of food donated.

Formed in 1991, River Cities Harvest collects excess perishable foods from local restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and cafeterias and distributes it to local social service agencies that feed the hungry. This process is known as “food recovery.” The agency also collects non-perishable food through drives sponsored by groups such as the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club. In 2008, River Cities Harvest distributed 252,555 pounds of food to 15 local agencies.

River Cities Harvest has an office in The Neighborhood, the former Johnson’s Dairy at 25th Street and Carter Avenue, and can be reached at (606) 324-3663 or rivercitiesharvest@gmail.com.