Two days before Thanksgiving, a time when many people are traveling to visit family, members of the Rockford American Legion Post were distributing more than 9,300 pounds of food to North Kent County families.
Since their first mobile food pantry, held two days before Thanksgiving 2009, the Legion has distributed more than 180,000 pounds of food. Using beverage trucks, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank delivers fresh produce, dairy and other items directly to the Legion’s parking lot to be distributed.
“When the weather is nice, we place tables around the truck and create an out-door market. During the winter months, we unload the truck, carrying the food into our banquet hall where tables have been set up,” says Clyde Sinclair, Commander of the Post. “In both instances our focus is on providing our guests with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.”
The mobile pantry is a team effort. As they have numerous times before, students from Rockford Christian School turned out to assist with the pantry. Next month the Post expects help from local Boy Scout Troops.
Behind the scenes, local businesses and fraternal organizations provide financial and material assistance. “We are so fortunate to have such wonderful support from the citizens of Rockford. This is such a great community to live in” says Sinclair.
Chartered in 1919, the Post has a rich history of service in Rockford. The current mobile pantry is just one of many such activities the Post conducts throughout the year.
“Members of The American Legion, the Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up the Post” says Sinclair. Veterans, their spouses and children are all eligible to become members and help us continue the tradition.” The Post will host it’s next mobile pantry at 10 a.m. on December 27, 2011
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