MOUNT VERNON — Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County are participating in the 100,000 Pounds Challenge to Fight Food Insecurity and everyone in the community is urged to join in the effort.

Chair of the Angels on Assignment Committee Lynn Lenker, City Councilman Donte Moore, and former Mt. Vernon Mayor David Keen joined us in the studio Wednesday to encourage everyone to give what they can to help in the fight against hunger.

There will be numerous locations to drop off in-date non-perishable food items before April 29th, including at Angels on Assignment at 12th and Broadway in Mt. Vernon.

Nolan Armstrong, a student at Mt. Vernon Township High School and President of its FBLA is leading the collection effort at the high school, district 80 schools will also be drop-off spots, as will some local churches.

While the usual canned goods are nice to have, Lynn says foods such as cereal bars are extremely helpful, as they can be tucked into a child’s school bag or pocket. She also suggests the meal kits in a box that just requires boiling water to create a nutritious meal.

If you have items you need to be picked up for the food drive, you can contact Councilman Donte Moore at 618-242-4072 or David Keen at 618-316-9502.