ASHLAND, Ky. — A long-time partnership between several organizations will once again help the hungry in our area.

In 1994, the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis began a one-night food drive at the Tri-state Fair and Regatta (now know as Summer Motion).

All food collected went to River Cities Harvest, who distributed it to local agencies that feed those in need.

That first year was a success, as has been each year since.

A few years later, Naomi Judd became involved by sponsoring River Cities Harvest for a Feed The Children shipment of non-perishable food, household goods, and personal hygiene items.

The 2009 Summer Motion food drive takes place July 3. In years past, the collection table was at the entrance to the Ashland Riverfront, but this year, with Summer Motion’s move to Central Park, things will be a bit different. Kiwanians and River Cities Harvest volunteers will collect donations at several stations in the park from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

“We’re interested to see how the change of venue will effect the food donations,” said Lucy Davis, Operations Coordinator for River Cities Harvest. “The need is extreme this year, but we live in a community of caring people.

“We know our neighbors will respond to the need.”

Concert goers are asked to bring an item of non-perishable food. Items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, boxed macaroni and cheese, and other high protein foods are needed, but any food donation is usable and appreciated. The food will be distributed to local food pantries.

Cash donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase food for local agencies that serve the needy.

River Cities Harvest, a volunteer-driven organization, has been working since 1991 to collect excess perishable foods from local restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and cafeterias and distribute it to local social service agencies that feed the hungry.

This process is known as “food recovery”. The non-profit agency also collects non-perishable foods through food drives sponsored by groups such as the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis.

In 2008, River Cities Harvest distributed 252,555 pounds of food to 15 local agencies throughout Boyd and Greenup Counties in Kentucky and in Ironton.

For more information about food recovery, volunteerism, or donating food, please call the River Cities Harvest office at 606-324-3663 or by email atrivercitiesharvest@gmail.com