YGO2 WASTE: FOOD PANTRIES CAN USE LEFTOVERS

Were you prepared for Y2K? Many people took the better-safe-than-sorry approach and stocked up on staples. But Y2K came and went with few bugs. Some people may be wondering what they should do with stockpiles of Spam, canned soups, cereal and pasta. The answer is easy: Area food banks would be overjoyed to reap the benefits of Y2K leftovers.

America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, and the Kellogg Co. have kicked off a national information campaign to encourage people to donate their surplus canned and packaged foods to local food banks. The campaign is cleverly called "YGo2 Waste." The drive kicks off Saturday and runs through Feb. 15.

Second Harvest's network of nearly 200 regional food banks includes the Bootheel Food Bank in Sikeston. Dorene Johnson, executive director, encourages people with Y2K leftovers to call the food bank at (573) 471-1818. This food bank serves pantries in 16 Southeast Missouri counties from Ste. Genevieve to the Arkansas line. People can either bring donations to Sikeston or the food bank will tell callers where to take food in their area.

People were very generous during the holiday season, but the need for food continues year-round. Many of the people helped by the food bank have no income or low incomes. Many, said Johnson, are one paycheck away from being homeless.

Johnson sees food banks as a miracle. It's not often that regular folks can have a hand in a miracle. Whether it's Y2K leftovers or other generous gifts of food, these staples can make a real difference in lives of people throughout Southeast Missouri.