Supermarket Sweep returned to Owensboro’s IGA on E. 25th Street on Wednesday, March 15th to kick off the 2023 Feed Seniors Now program which began in 2011. The Green River Area Development District is partnering with Independence Bank, Comfort Keepers and Specialty Foods Group to collect and distribute food to elderly adults in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean and Webster Counties.
Local high school seniors, while racing against the :76 second clock, scurried through the grocery store to collect as many shelf-stable food items as possible. When the buzzer went off, Independence Bank agreed to purchase and donate all collected items to the Feed Seniors Now drive. Team McLean County won with the most items for the second year in a row also receiving a check for $500 for their school!
“A pivotal part of our work culture is to have fun,” Independence Bank President Nick Oller shared. “Last year, we integrated a Supermarket Sweep into our strategy of collecting the items. This added element was an absolute blast watching the teams race down the aisles. But, the reality is, we know that hunger affects hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians. We are proud to have a partnership with multiple organizations to provide these resources and help meet basic needs.”
Feeding America estimates that in 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table.
GRADD In-Home Services Manager, Amber Phelps enjoys the opportunity to be involved in this partnership and states, “Feed Seniors Now helps fill a gap for older adults who may sometimes skip meals or eat smaller portions due to financial constraints. Food insecurity among senior citizens is often an unseen and unaddressed issue. Our goal through Feed Seniors Now is to bring attention to senior food insecurity while providing assistance to seniors in need.” Specialty Foods Group will be donating Kentucky Legend meats to the drive.
“Watching so many people and groups across our region come together to help area seniors fills my heart up quicker than those shopping carts during the contest,” Independence Bank Community Enrichment Officer Susanne Story smiled. “It’s such a great feeling walking away from the grocery store knowing the good that is trickling into towns across nearly half a dozen counties. Our purpose is to help people by providing a hand up— not a hand out.”
On April 19th, volunteers will deliver groceries to low-income seniors in the five participating counties.
How to donate:
Checks or cash donations to purchase additional groceries for the delivery will be accepted at Independence Bank locations. Please make checks payable to The Independence Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 988, Owensboro, KY 42302, Attention: Feed Seniors Now. (Please designate county in the memo section).
How To Sign-up:
Please contact GRADD at 1-270-852-1363 before April 7, 2023 if you know a senior that could benefit from this drive.