As you’re making your list and checking it twice this holiday season, consider including nonperishable food.

Items can be taken to the Little Food Pantries around Jackson County or added to food drives that are underway.

During a recent Healthy Jackson County All-Member Coalition meeting, members of the physical activity and nutrition workgroup shared ways people can help the hungry around Christmastime.

Jena Hanks, Health Issues and Challenges grant coordinator for Health Jackson County, said the group has been working hard to get the 14 Little Food Pantries adopted by local organizations and community groups on a monthly basis.

“These are a resource to the community. They are not necessarily the full spectrum of nutrition, not solving certainly nutrition problems in the county, as we have some other great resources for those, but these are a great resource for some of those in-between times where people need a little extra or they have an opportunity to give a little bit extra,” she said.

Suggested donation items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, pasta, cereal, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, boxed food and toiletries. Items may be dropped off or taken at any time, as the Little Food Pantries are open 24/7.

Anyone interested in adopting a Little Food Pantry should email [email protected].

“It has been great to see the community really taking on these little pantries in some of these different community groups,” Hanks said.

Anyone needing a copy of the flyer with information about the pantries may send an email to the same address.

Molly Marshall, health and human sciences educator for Purdue Extension Jackson County, said her office is organizing a food drive among county governmental offices at the Jackson County Courthouse and Jackson County Judicial Center.

Look for the wrapped boxes near the Christmas tree in the courthouse lobby and drop off donations during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Dec. 15.

“Last year, we did this, so we thought we’d bring it back this year because it was successful and it was just a good event,” Marshall said. “We are asking our county employees (to donate), but again, this is open to anyone.”

Suggested donation items include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee meals, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate packets, canned fruits and canned vegetables.

“Our office will take all of the food and deliver it to our local pantries on Monday the 18th,” Marshall said.

For information, call 812-358-6101 or email [email protected].

Purdue Extension also keeps a food assistance brochure available in English and Spanish updated with information. It includes food pantry programs, 4-H Little Food Pantries, school-based programs, seniors and adults with disabilities programs, hot meal programs and government assistance in Jackson County. For a copy, call or email Marshall.

Hanks also highlighted a recent Thanksgiving food drive conducted by Schneck Medical Center employees that resulted in donations given to Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry and I Care Ministries Food Pantry in Seymour and the Crothersville Food Pantry.

“Very great success with that food drive, and I know that workgroup has done a lot of great work, as well, just connecting people, connecting the dots on getting food to the people who need it,” Hanks said.