Keeping the pantry stocked is never an easy task, but thanks to Curves Fitness Center and its members, the Helping Hands Food Bank has 1300 more pounds of non-perishable food to distribute to those who need a helping hand.

In a countywide food drive that began on February 27, 2006, and ended March 31, local Curves franchise owner Carrie Utter offered incentives to foster philanthropy within the community.

“We waived our normal membership fee to new members who brought in a sack of groceries,” Utter explained.

Not to exclude current members from participating, Utter said that she rewarded a food donation, and three workouts a week with a t-shirt. Three sessions per week is considered “Perfect attendance” at the gym.

Helping Hands Director K.G. Ariagno expressed her gratitude to Utter, and to the membership of Curves, “If I see anyone with those t-shirts around town, we should thank them,” she told Utter in a candid moment.

The food bank will use 100% of the contributed food right here in Trigg County.

“We care for over 100 families a month now,” Ariagno explained, “mostly the working poor, as we screen our applicants on a need-based scale. It is very rare that we turn someone away empty handed.”

For the rest of this story, please see this week's edition of The Cadiz Record.