http://66.225.205.104/JR20080910.mp3
Two truckloads of peanut butter, tuna and other food staples arrived at the Loaves and Fishes pantry in Charlotte today thanks to an unusual city gift of 50-thousand dollars. City Council members say unprecedented need warranted the one-time gift. Loaves and Fishes provides a week's supply of groceries to families in need in Charlotte, and this summer demand is higher than it has been in 33 years. 24-percent more people have come to the pantry this summer compared to last. City Councilman Michael Barnes says those numbers prompted him to propose the unsolicited gift for Loaves and Fishes. "While this is not something we historically have done and typically do, if we can help provide food for people, that's a good thing," says Barnes. "The resources of our country and of our city should not lead to a situation where you have Americans hungry." Barnes stresses the $50,000 donation is a one-time-deal and says he will not push the city to be in the business of plugging nonprofit needs with taxpayer dollars. The Director of Loaves and Fishes says the city's gift bought enough food to last the pantry through November.