Copper theft spoils $500,000 worth of Indiana food bank groceries

[InkAddict]

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/national_world/stories/2007/07/31/copper.html


It was the third time in two months that copper had been taken from Gleaners. The food bank serves more than 300,000 people through more than 400 pantries and charities in 20 central Indiana counties.

Children, families and the elderly will be hurt by the theft, said Pam Altmeyer, president and chief executive officer of Gleaners.

"It is becoming very clear that the thieves do not understand that it is those most in need of assistance who are hurt," she said.

The theft could cost Gleaners $464,000 in lost food, plus $20,000 for immediate repairs. Gleaners will work this week to solicit more donations and plans to continue distributing its nonperishable food.

[salin]

1. I have heard of numerous local activities to try to replace

the lost food in order to stem a greater crisis for those in need of food. Hopefully the attention to the story will raise awareness of how many hoosiers are in need of assistance to meet basic food needs.