New "Round-Up" Event Brings Help for Food Pantry

Article written by Donna Rumbaugh, Editor The New Era Newspaper, Parker, SD (Photo/Donna Rumbaugh)

Two businesses have come together to help support the Turner County Food Pantry. Jones Foods and Rivers Edge Bank, both of Parker sponsored a month long event that asked customers at the check-out  counter to "round-up" to the nearest dollar when purchasing their groceries. 

In addition to the "round-up" event, customers were also able to donate cash to the cause, or purchase/donate non-perishable items in the barrel at the store. Both Jones Foods and Rivers Edge Bank pledged to match what was collected up to $1,000 each, which sweetened the pot. 

Jensen was pleased with the outcome of the event and said they plan on making this an annual effort to help support the residents of Northern Turner County.

The food pantry, which is located in the Turner County Courthouse on the lower level serves residents in the Parker, Marion, Monroe, Dolton and Chancellor areas. On the third Tuesday of every month a county wide food give away is held as well.

Also serving Turner County residents in their respective locations are food pantries in Centerville, Viborg, and Irene.

Julie Anderson, who works for ICAP at the courthouse says the donation presented today will go a long way in helping to restock the shelves which are running low. Food for the pantry is purchased through the local grocery store to provide staple items to those seeking help to supplement their groceries. Additional items that are considered "extras" outside of staple foods are always welcome donations as well as items like toilet paper, toothpaste, dish soap and cleaners. Anderson asks that private donations be checked before dropping them off for expiration dates, or to ensure the packaging is sealed.

Locally the pantry is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.