Mid-Valley Curbside Food Drive Now Underway

It's a disturbing irony that, in the agriculturally rich Willamette Valley, the fastest-growing harvest is hunger.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - During the recycle weeks in October, Mid-Valley Garbage/Recycle Haulers will be collecting non-perishable food donations at residential curbs for the 10th year in a row.

Garbage haulers will distribute food drive bags along with 2007 recycle week calendars. Residents are urged to fill the bag with non-perishable food items, tie the bag shut, and place it curbside on their regularly scheduled recycle day in October only.

Extra plastic bags can be used, just remember to tie them shut in case of inclement weather.

The Mid-Valley Garbage & Recycling Association, has teamed up with Marion/Polk Food share, Albany Box Company and Village Print Shop to make this 10th annual event a success.

Thanks to the generosity of public, the Curbside Food Drive, is responsible for more than 220,000 pounds of food since 1996.

For more information call your local garbage/recycle hauler or the recycle hotline at (503) 390-4000 or toll free outside the Salem calling area (877) 390-4001 or by email at info@mrtrashrecycles.com.

In the fiscal year that ended June 30th, 2005, over 67,000 individuals in Marion and Polk counties -- 17% of area residents -- ate from an emergency food box at least once to avoid going hungry.