Less than two hours after News Center 7 aired a story that a local food pantry had exhausted its budget trying to plan Thanksgiving meals for local families and Christmas meals were in jeopardy, someone donated $20,000 to the food pantry.
“It aired at noon, and by 1:30, someone had walked in and handed me a big check for $20,000,” said Gail Matson, Executive Director of the Xenia area FISH Food Pantry. “She knows who she is, and I’m so grateful.
>> Rising food costs and surge in need could cost Xenia FISH Food Pantry
Matson said since then, an additional $8,000 has been raised and donations are still coming in.
The pantry now has enough money to hand out Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and continue its regular food giveaways.
Matson said the pantry is feeding as many as 800 people in Greene County per month. And its traditional Thanksgiving dinner has taken an expensive turn.
>> Heavy burden for consumers as holidays near: Soaring prices
“Last year our complete meal cost $14,500. This year, the turkeys alone cost $14,500. Our whole budget for Thanksgiving is blown just on turkeys, “Matson said.
Nationally, turkey company Butterball said consumers should expect prices to up because of truck driver and shipping box shortages. Turkey farmers said fewer workers have led to fewer birds being produced.
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