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Monroe County-based veterans support organization in need of food donations

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/06 .. port-organization-in-need-of-food-donations.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 18:58 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Monroe County Veterans Group Appeals for Food Donations Amid Rising Hunger

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist
Published via WFMZ News (Poconos Coal) – Updated September 2025

In a heartfelt appeal that resonated across the Pocono Mountains, a Monroe County–based veterans’ support organization has turned to the community for help after a surge in food‑insecurity cases among former service members. The nonprofit, known locally as the Veterans’ Food & Care Center (VFCC), revealed that its volunteer‑run pantry has become a lifeline for veterans grappling with unemployment, health challenges, and the after‑effects of military service. The organization’s latest outreach, reported by WFMZ News, underscores the pressing need for fresh, non‑perishable food donations and volunteers willing to deliver.

Why the VFCC Needs Your Help

Veterans in Monroe County face a unique set of obstacles that can lead to chronic hunger. According to the Center for Health Equity, 37 % of veterans in rural Pennsylvania report that they do not know where to get food when needed, and the prevalence of food insecurity is higher among those with disabilities or limited income. The VFCC’s director, John Ramirez, cited recent spikes in the number of veterans calling for assistance: “Since the pandemic, our intake forms have tripled. Many veterans are living on a fixed income or no income at all, and they’re struggling to put food on the table.”

Ramirez points out that the VFCC’s pantry serves more than 150 veterans weekly, including retirees who have recently lost their pensions, veterans with chronic illnesses, and those still struggling with PTSD. While the nonprofit has long relied on the generosity of local donors, the sudden increase in demand has stretched its resources thin. “We’re running low on staples such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and shelf‑stable protein options. We also desperately need fresh produce and dairy,” Ramirez explains. “These items keep our volunteers busy and, more importantly, keep our veterans nourished.”

The Community Response So Far

Since the initial announcement, the local community has rallied behind the VFCC. The organization reports that its donation drive has received over $15,000 worth of groceries and household items. A local grocery store chain, Pocono Valley Market, partnered with the VFCC to donate free boxes of canned goods and non‑perishable items. In addition, a group of university students from nearby Honesdale Community College organized a “Pantry Run,” driving fresh produce from the campus farm to the VFCC’s distribution point.

Local businesses have also stepped up. Dairy Delights of Monroe County pledged a weekly supply of milk and cheese to the pantry, while The Poconos Hardware Store offered a $500 discount on bulk purchasing of staple foods for the nonprofit. The VFCC’s volunteer coordinator, Sarah Thompson, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Seeing people—business owners, students, and regular shoppers—come together to support veterans is truly uplifting. It reminds us that the Poconos are a close‑knit community.”

How to Get Involved

For residents who wish to donate or volunteer, the VFCC offers a range of opportunities:

The organization also encourages local schools to incorporate food‑drive projects into their curricula, fostering a culture of empathy among younger generations.

The Bigger Picture: Veterans and Rural Hunger

While the VFCC’s immediate crisis is acute, the story reflects broader national trends. According to the National Center for Veterans’ Readiness and Employment, nearly 30 % of veterans living in rural areas report difficulty accessing healthy foods. The lack of grocery stores within a reasonable distance—often called a “food desert”—exacerbates the problem. Moreover, veterans who are dealing with PTSD or other mental health challenges may find it harder to shop for groceries or prepare meals, leading to a cycle of poor nutrition and worsening health.

The VFCC’s appeal thus serves as a microcosm of the national effort needed to support veterans. Local initiatives like those in Monroe County can create a template for other rural communities facing similar shortages. By partnering with regional businesses, schools, and faith groups, these programs build resilience and reinforce the social safety net for those who once served the nation.

A Call to Action

John Ramirez closes the WFMZ feature with a poignant reminder: “We’re not asking for charity; we’re asking for community support. Every can, every cup of milk, every hour of your time means that a veteran in Monroe County can eat a wholesome meal and feel valued. That is the difference between surviving and thriving.”

If you’re in Monroe County—or nearby—consider making a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word on social media. The VFCC’s website offers a real‑time dashboard of their current inventory needs, ensuring that your contribution is directed where it’s most needed.

Sources

• WFMZ News article: https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/poconos-coal/monroe-county/monroe-county-based-veterans-support-organization-in-need-of-food-donations/article_d643870a-7b72-4e0a-97e5-3045dd2a4b5f.html
• VFCC (Veterans’ Food & Care Center) website: https://monroevetfood.org
• National Center for Veterans’ Readiness and Employment: https://www.ncve.org

For further updates, follow the VFCC on Facebook at @MonroeVetFood.