Passing this on from a friend: The Howard Area Community Center emergency food pantry is in desperate need of donations. According to the web site, requests for food assistance have tripled this winter, which is on par with reports from all over. And, of course, funding has simultaneously been cut. Any donations are welcome (see below for details) and can be dropped off at 7648 N. Paulina anytime between 9 am and 5 pm. They have the capacity to store food, and even have freezer space. What they *don’t* need is candy and/or junk food, or food you wouldn’t eat yourself–food that’s stale, half-eaten, etc. (That would seem to go without saying, but, hey, you never know I guess.)

I don’t honestly know that this particular food pantry is in any more dire straits than every other hunger-relief effort in the city. They’re all hurting. But if you’re on the north side, here’s a little direction on would be particularly welcome.

– Items high in protein, such as canned meats (tuna, salmon, etc.) beef stew, chili, peanut butter.

– Also needed are canned vegetables and fruits, canned soup, rice, pasta, beans, cereal, jams and jellies, mayonnaise.

– Healthy convenience food for homeless individuals such as “pop-top” cans of tuna, Vienna sausages, fruit cups, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers.

– Personal care and home items such as toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, razors, soap, deodorant, 9-volt batteries, smoke detectors, flashlights.

– Homeless individuals also appreciate sample size or hotel size personal care items.