800K Pounds Of Food Distributed By Indian Cultural Association

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Behind the scenes of the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers have been quietly helping others in need of assistance. The Indian Cultural Association of Howard County so far has distributed more than 800,000 pounds of food to area families in need of a boost. The donations have been delivered directly to families, area pantries, churches, temples, schools, libraries, senior centers, trailer parks and elsewhere to ensure that those who need the help the most are receiving it.

Sanjay and Niti Srivastava spearhead the nonprofit behind this momentous effort. Niti Srivastava told Patch that the food has been donated, obtained through grants and purchased outright by the organization. Some of the items gathered up for distribution include fresh produce, milk and juice, non-perishables such as rice, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, along with household items such as light bulbs.

The recipients of the donations have been beyond grateful, she said.

"ICA leadership did an assessment of neighborhoods in need in the county and sought out central locations from where to distribute so that the maximum number of people can be helped, taking into account sites large enough to accommodate the traffic," Srivastava said. "(They've been) extremely thankful. Extremely thankful. We have gotten to know the struggle and the stories of hundreds of thousands of people. Unfortunately, the lines continue to grow longer and longer. They get in line before the appointed time, often waiting more than an hour for a box of food."

Srivastava advised those in need of assistance to check the organization's distribution scheduled post on its Facebook page. Their next distribution will be Saturday at the Miller Library in Ellicott City from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. and at Season's Apartments in Laurel from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: Patch News Partner/Shutterstock

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.