Long before the Covid-19 pandemic pulled the financial rug out from under the feet of many people, poverty and homelessness was an issue. Despite thoughts that this is a big city issue, itâs an issue all too prevalent right here in the Red River Valley.
A 2019 report issued by the United Way of Lamar County found that nearly half of all households in the county struggled to make ends meet in 2016. At that time, 20% of Lamar County households were below the poverty line and 25% more were Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE, meaning they earned an income greater than the poverty line but below the areaâs cost of living.
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The Downtown Food Pantry has received a helping hand to aid the Lamar County community during a time when families are experiencing unprecedented food insecurity. The Campbell Foundation, of Campbell Soup, recently announced a $25,000 grant to the local nonprofit that has served 25% of Lamar County residents this year alone.
Kim Fortunato, vice president of community affairs and president of the Campbell Foundation, said the motivation for the grant came from the foundationâs mission to help out the communities where the companyâs employees live.
âNow more than ever, our community partners are critical resources in our hometowns, providing our neighbors in need with food and services,â Fortunato said, referencing the Covid-19 pandemic.