City of Marion hosts food drive through November

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  Published in Food and Wine on Mon, Nov 11rd, 2025 by ABC Kcrg 9

City of Marion Launches Year‑Long Food Drive to Combat Hunger

The City of Marion announced on November 3 that it will run a community‑wide food drive for the entire month of November, aiming to collect thousands of non‑perishable food items for local families in need. The initiative, dubbed “Food for Families,” is a partnership between the City, the Marion Community Food Bank, local businesses, schools, and volunteer groups, and will culminate in a distribution event on Thanksgiving Day.

Why November?
Marion officials say that the timing aligns with the holiday season, a period when many families experience the greatest financial strain. “Food insecurity spikes around the holidays,” said City Manager Kevin O’Donnell. “We want to give residents the chance to bring in items now, so that the food bank can stock shelves before the influx of demand.” The city’s Department of Human Services cited a recent survey that found that 12 % of Marion households report eating less than one meal a day because of insufficient food.

How the Drive Works
Donors are encouraged to bring items to designated drop‑off sites throughout the city. The main collection point will be the City Hall parking lot, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, with a volunteer crew ready to sort and bag donations. Additional drop‑off locations include the Marion Library, the senior center, and the high‑school cafeteria. All non‑perishable items are accepted: canned soups, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, peanut butter cookies, and even large boxes of pasta or rice are welcome. Food banks prefer items with an expiration date at least six months away.

All donations are accepted free of charge; no identification is required, and donors can choose whether they want a receipt for tax purposes. City Hall has set up an online portal where donors can check the status of their donation and view a real‑time dashboard of the drive’s progress.

Partner Organizations
Marion Food Bank, the city’s primary partner, has pledged to distribute the collected items to more than 2,000 families in the region. The Food Bank’s Executive Director, Maria Sanchez, said, “Our organization receives an average of 25 % more food during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year, but we still struggle to keep up with demand. The City’s support is crucial.”

Local businesses have also joined the effort. The Marion Grocery Co., a family‑owned store that has been in the city for over 30 years, will host a “Food Drive Friday” event on November 7, offering a 10 % discount on all non‑perishable items to shoppers who bring in a food donation. “We’re proud to give back to the community that supports us,” said store owner Tom Green. Another partner, the Marion Hardware Store, will run a “Tool Donation Day” on November 11, where customers can bring in used kitchen tools, as these can be repurposed by families who may not have them.

Volunteer and Youth Involvement
The City’s Youth Outreach Program is recruiting high‑school volunteers to assist with sorting and packaging. The program’s coordinator, Samantha Lee, said the students can earn community service hours and a chance to learn about food security. The drive also includes a “Family Clean‑Up Challenge” on November 18, encouraging residents to bring their families to help clean the City Hall parking lot and sort donated items.

Distribution Events
The Food Bank will hold a distribution event on Thanksgiving Day at the Marion Community Center. Families will receive a “Food for Families” bag that includes non‑perishable staples, a small jar of peanut butter, a box of cereal, and a note of gratitude from the city. The event will also feature a live band and a community potluck, hosted by the local church.

Community Impact
According to the city’s 2023 annual report, Marion has seen a 5 % rise in the number of families seeking food assistance. “We’re proud to see the community come together,” said City Manager O’Donnell. “This food drive is just one of the many ways we’re looking to bridge that gap.”

How Residents Can Get Involved
- Drop Off: Bring donations to City Hall, Marion Library, Senior Center, or high‑school cafeteria.
- Donate Online: Check the city’s portal for real‑time updates.
- Volunteer: Sign up at the City Hall volunteer desk or online.
- Spread the Word: Share the Food Drive on social media using #FoodForFamiliesMarion.

Looking Ahead
The City of Marion plans to evaluate the drive’s success at the end of the month, with a goal of expanding the program into a year‑long initiative. Officials hope the food drive will not only provide immediate relief but also raise awareness about long‑term food insecurity and stimulate local policy changes.

As Marion residents line up to donate, the city’s collective hope is that the shared effort will ease the burden on families, remind us all of the power of community, and set a positive precedent for future food‑security initiatives.