This marks the 12th year of the Alan Shawn Feinstein's $1 million challenge/feed the hungry project. The Community of Christ, Pleasant Valley Branch has been participating in the challenge for a number of years. This year the church is seeking the communities help for a greater impact.

“This is our fourth year participating in the challenge. All he (Feinstein) wants to do is bring up an awareness of hunger. Any canned items and pledges we receive, March through April, can be counted towards the goal,” Kathy Deemer, coordinator of the church food pantry said.

Last year the church received $250 for participation.

If more than $1 million is raised, the foundation will divide $1 million proportionately between all non-profit anti-hunger groups that report the funds that they raise through the challenge between March 1 and April 30.

“During those two months we are raising funds and benefiting from that. Other churches have been bringing us items for the pantry that can be counted towards the goals,” she said.

For every one pound of food donated a dollar can be added to the pantries total.

“There has been an increased need of people wanting food in the community. In November and December of 2008 we gave away 250 boxes of food each month. In January 193 boxes, and Feb. 225 boxes were distributed,” she said.

Food is distributed every third Wednesday (5-6:30 p.m.), and Thursday (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) of each month from the church located at 723 Sedan Crabtree in Lucasville.

For more information about the churches food bank call 259-2069.