By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
When Wilbarger County Farm Bureau (CFB) heard United Samaritan Services of Vernon (USSV) needed more food on its shelves, they took action.
“We usually have a canned food drive in April every year, but since we couldn’t do that, we decided to go ahead and donate some money,” Wilbarger CFB President Kurt Lemon said. “We had talked about postponing the canned food drive until summer, but they have a need right now.”
The non-profit USSV assists residents with items like food, clothing, paying bills and more.
Lemon said the monetary donation from Wilbarger CFB will be used to purchase more food for distribution to those in need.
“I think things like this not only give back to the community but makes a connection from the farmer to the consumer that we farm because we’re trying to feed people,” he said. “The connection is broken, and the consumer doesn’t always understand what we’re trying to do, but really, we’re out here trying to clothe and feed people.”
Lemon said USSV is a critical resource in this rural community.
Currently, the organization is conducting a drive-through food pantry for people who need assistance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put many people out of work who may not have the resources to stay afloat until jobs come back, so there’s an increased need right now, according to Lemon.
“Large organizations and the government are trying to help, but there are a lot of families in this area whose needs are not being met that need help and need it right now,” he said. “They can’t wait three weeks for a cash infusion or two months for the economy to stabilize. Without a job, there’s no money to buy food, period. It’s usually churches and small organizations in rural areas that step up to fill that gap, so we’re proud to do what we can to help USSV.”
Click here to find a county Farm Bureau in your area.