WORCESTER _ Feeding hungry people is a yearlong commitment for the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB).  This community-based non-profit agency’s mission is a simple one – to engage, educate and lead Worcester County in creating a hunger-free community. During fiscal year 2008, the WCFB distributed 4,683,981 pounds of donated food and grocery product to its network of 188 partner agencies that have programs for feeding people, including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. These agencies served over 82,000 people living in Central Massachusetts.

According to Lois Maitland Paire, director of Programs and Operations, the Food Bank is seeing a 15 percent increase in the number of people in the Worcester County area receiving food assistance compared to the same time last year.

“Hunger is a year round problem. The Food Bank and its network of partner agencies depend on the community’s generous support 12 months a year,” Paire said.

This is why the 96.1 WSRS Feed Worcester County Food Drive is so important.  Now in its 16th year, the 96.1 WSRS Feed Worcester County Food Drive is once again looking for donations to help our neighbors in Worcester County. Along with WSRS, this year’s sponsors for the drive are the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), Price Chopper, Charter Communications and CharterTV3.  The drive will run from Tues., Dec. 2  – Sat., Dec. 6.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Friday, Dec. 5, the WRTA will have a van stationed at Worcester City Hall from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. that will accept donations. In addition, all WRTA buses will have bags donated from Price Chopper in which riders can drop off their donations.

“This year in conjunction with WSRS we will also be accepting cash donations at the WRTA van stationed at City Hall,” said Donna Novelli, of RTA Transit Services, Inc. “We’re asking everyone to help us Fill Up the Bus!”

Accepted food donations include:

• Soup, stew and chili
• Dry and canned pasta
• Macaroni and cheese
• Cereal, rice and beans
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned tuna, chicken and salmon
• Peanut butter and jelly

Please note that no glass jars or containers will be accepted (including no baby food jars). Also, please note non-perishable foods only.