FNNB Bank holds public food drive to keep local pantry full

Uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits — which is the result of a more than month-long government shutdown — has prompted community leaders to find ways to replenish vital resources. For the folks over at FNNB Bank, they decided to hold a public food drive to fill the pantry at the Salvation Army of Newton.

Rob Kahn, president and CEO of FNNB Bank, said food will be collected until Nov. 20 and is expected to be delivered to the Salvation Army the next day. All people need to do to participate is bring any items they want to contribute to the bank lobby and drop them off. Bank staff will take care of the rest.

“We’ve had some items already start showing up, and every little bit helps,” Kahn said, noting the food drive launched on Nov. 10. “No contribution is too small.”

Acceptable food donations include: shelf-stable milk, soups, spaghetti sauce, hamburger helper and tuna helper, mac and cheese, baked beans, boxed potatoes and canned fruit.

FNNB Bank has contributed annually to the Salvation Army for several years by making donations, allowing the staff to purchase food or supplies at discounted costs. Kahn said while the bank was making its contribution last week, he spoke with a captain about the increasing concerns surrounding SNAP benefits.

“We thought it made sense to host the food drive and help out in any way we could to help meet the needs in the community,” Kahn said. “The bank went out and purchased some food to get the ball rolling, and that is all set out in the lobby so people can see where to drop stuff off at.”

Even though there are talks of lawmakers agreeing to reopen the government soon, there is still a need for food in the Newton community. The Salvation Army’s food pantry is relatively low. Any deliveries the facility receives are swiftly distributed to families in need. Food drives are critical for times like these.

Captan Tim North said in a statement to Newton News, “The Salvation Army appreciates FNNB’s commitment to help address food insecurity in our community. Their generosity ensures that struggling families can receive the support they need during these challenging times.”

As a local business, Kahn stressed it is important to give back to the community. Other community leaders are taking initiative, too.

Rick Vernon, a Newton native involved in the family business The Vernon Company, started another community challenge to raise money for the Salvation Army. Capstone Behavioral Healthcare is accepting nonperishable food donations at its front lobby during normal business hours.

“People helping out in a time of need, now matter how big or small it might be, is essential for longevity of the community,” Kahn said. “Resources can get spread pretty thin when the demand for services increase, so seeing people step up to help is incredible.”