Charlotte veterans receive food boxes and how you can help

An extra thank-you for veterans ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

The Independence Fund and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina teamed up and provided food care packages for our local veterans.

Their services every day go beyond food, and there were some impactful differences that were made for the men and women who defend our country.

A box of food supplies went to Paul Gross.

Gross is an Army veteran who says he came to the Veterans Administration in southwest Charlotte as soon as he got word.

“I didn’t know about it until I got an email the other day (saying) they were going to be giving out some food,” Gross said.

This food giveaway is possible through Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and the Independence Fund.

The Independence Fund is an organization based in Charlotte, but it supports veterans across the country. Since March 2020, they’ve helped feed more than 2,000 veterans.

“I think it’s fantastic that they would bother to support the veterans because a lot of places don’t,” said Jeff Kuhn, a military veteran.

The food giveaway happens on the third Thursday of every month. You don’t have to preregister, but you do have to show proof that you are a veteran.

Jeremy Davis with the Independence Fund says they are also helping veterans through other programs, like rental assistance and food delivery.

But he’s really proud of the relationships they’ve been able to maintain through the pandemic.

“Mental health is very important to us as well, so staying connected to our veterans and caregivers and families in the last 12 to 16 months has been crucial. And we’ve been fortunate in the last month. We’ve been able to turn back on our in-person events,” said Jeremy Davis, vice president of programs for the Independence Fund.

“It’s been kinda tough, just like everybody. This COVID is keeping everybody inside,” said Donald Campbell, a U.S. veteran.

Campbell is an Air Force veteran who says all the resources make a difference.

“I think it’s well worth the time and effort. There are a lot of veterans out here, and they need the extra help,” Campbell said.

The events are made possible through donations to Second Harvest Food bank of Metrolina.

For the past 16 years, WSOC-TV and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina have partnered to end area hunger through the 9 Food Drive.

You can help by donating canned or nonperishable food items now at any Arby’s, Ashley HomeStore or E.R. Services.

A complete list of donation locations is listed here.

Because the food bank supplies food and essential grocery items to hundreds of agencies, a monetary donation helps all of these organizations. For every $1 the food bank receives, it distributes 7 pounds of food. You can donate now by clicking on this link.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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