Hunger continues to be a growing concern for many individuals across Story County. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy lifestyle. In a 2018 study done by Feeding America, it was found that 14,660 people are considered to be food insecure right here in Story County, and of that number, 2,220 are children. “There is a need in our community and we are only seeing numbers rise,” said The Norsemen Food Pantry.
Bethany Life recognizes the ongoing struggle that many families and individuals face right here in our own backyard. So, to help remedy this issue, the Bethany Life Wellness Committee hosted a food packing event at Timberland Village. On Sunday, November 12th, staff and residents alike gathered to volunteer their time and pack cheesy rice meals for those in need. In three quick hours, Bethany Life packaged 10,000 meals to be distributed in Story County. With 46 boxes in total, staff from Bethany spent the following Friday afternoon making deliveries to Cubbies Cupboard in Nevada, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nevada, Food at First in Ames, ISU SHOP, and The Norseman Food Pantry.
While the Wellness Committee was able to contribute towards the cost of the event, a majority of the bill was paid by the Bethany Life Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund. The Good Samaritan Fund helps to support our residents, tenants, and members in need. As individuals begin to age, oftentimes their cost of care increases drastically as well. This fund is designed to help ease the financial burden for those faced with challenging decisions. Examples of ways that the Good Samaritan Fund have been used in the past include purchasing a burial plot, customized wheelchair that wasn’t covered by Medicaid, and for hair services of residents that didn’t have the means, If you feel called to donate or have questions about the Bethany Life Foundation, please contact our Foundation Director McKenzie Alvarado Lopez, mckenzie.alvaradolopez@bethanylife.org, (515) 733-3036, or click the link below to make a donation.