Summer already was a time of acute food shortages, especially for children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through schools.
This year, the pandemic is compounding the problem, with millions of Americans seeking help from food banks for the first time.
Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts is continuing to do its part to combat hunger with the return of its Connells Maple Lee Stems Hunger food drive, June 27-July 4.
It will benefit the nonprofit Neighborhood Services Food Pantry at 1950 N. 4th St., Suite J, Columbus. Here is the food pantry’s wish list.
Food drive donors will receive a free carnation for each nonperishable food item they contribute (limit six per visit).
Donations may be dropped off during regular business hours at any one of Connells Maple Lee’s stores: 3014 E. Broad St., Bexley; 2033 Stringtown Road, Grove City; and 8573 Owenfield Drive, Powell.