Anderson Good Neighbor Cupboard Running Out Of Food

By: Carmen Coursey | News Channel 7
Published: August 28, 2008

A food bank, forced to close its doors for the first time in almost 30 years Friday, reopens the following Thursday, but it may be temporary.
Food was pulled off the shelves as fast as it could be stacked at the Good Neighbor Cupboard in Anderson Thursday.

"If they're hungry it's very upsetting because I've sat there and listened to their stories and it'll make you cry,"
said James "Ott" Reed, Good Neighbor Cupboard Director.

Reed said the cupboard closed down Friday for the first time in its history because it had no food.
Wednesday they got a shipment in, but in less than two hours, the shelves were already showing bare spots. The flour and cooking oil were completely gone.
Reed said the tough economy means donors can't give as much as they once did.
At the same time, he said there's more need because so many people can't find work.

"McDonald's, Wendy's and wherever- they're not hiring anybody. They're cutting back staff. So, it's just a lot of people are having to come get food that you wouldn't believe would be out of a job."

Reed said the Cupboard tries to give each family a week's worth of food. Reed expects the food the Cupboard has now will last until Tuesday or Wednesday, and they are still in need of donations of food or money.

They'll take any canned food items, dry goods, like rice, beans or pasta, as well as flour, cooking oil and cereals. The Cupboard buys many food items, including milk, eggs, butter and meats. For more information, you can call the Cupboard at 864-224-1701.

Financial contributions can be made out to:
Good Neighbor Cupboard
313 S. Tower Street, Suite 113
Anderson, SC 29624

Anderson County Administrator Joey R. Preston announced Thursday that the Great Southeast BalloonFest will be a drop-off point for canned goods to benefit the Good Neighbor Cupboard. Attendees may drop off their donated canned items during the event at designated tents in the Midway area. Additionally, items will be collected at the doors of the annual Celebrate Anderson event on Sunday, August 31.