The Newton County Veterans Office and the American Legion Post 89 in Decatur will be starting a food bank to provide food for veterans and veteran’s families in need in Newton County.
The food bank, which will be located at the American Legion Post 89 Hut in Decatur, will give out food 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month beginning July 11. Any veteran, spouse of veteran, or surviving children of a veteran will be eligible to use the food bank.
Newton County Veterans Service officer Johnny Reeves said the idea for a food bank was brought to his attention last year by Carol Henshaw, from Sparta, Michigan, whose father is a veteran in Newton County.
Henshaw, after talking with Reeves, brought the idea to her friends and her church, and they got to work. Several weeks ago, Henshaw and her husband brought a trailer of food, including cereal, meats and canned goods, to make sure the food bank was fully stocked.
Henshaw said the food bank was her way of helping veterans from her hometown of Decatur. She and her friends have already begun collecting more food and plan to bring a second trailer down in the fall.
While the initial food donation has been made, Henshaw said she challenges local Newton County businesses and individuals to collect food and get involved as well.
For information on the food bank, call Johnny Reeves at 601-635-2178.
