UCHRA Food Distribution Serving Two Populations In-Need

Two UCHRA departments have begun a collaboration to benefit two populations in-need.

The commodity distribution program is now assisted by Community Corrections clients in need of community service hours. Community Services Director LaNelle Godsey said more people are getting the food they need with the extra manpower.

“By the community corrections clients participating, they’re actually giving back to the community,” Godsey said. “These are non-violent offenders and they’re actually, actively working to move forward in their life.”

The new partnership began in January, serving Clay, Cumberland, Van Buren and White County. Although, Godsey said with a more coordinated effort, the plan is to expand this partnership into Putnam, Overton, Pickett, Warren and Dekalb County.

“With us having this coordinated effort and everybody’s getting this opportunity to participate,” Godsey said. “It’s just really starting to grow now.”

Godsey said the commodities program came under the control of UCHRA Community Services at the end of 2020. She said this partnership aligns with the agency’s regional goals.

“Trying to promote self-sufficiency, we’re working with our customers and our clients to provide an array of services,” Godsey said. “That will help them move to where they want to be in life. So, we have the commodities that’s helping them with food that can free up funds for other items that they might need.”

The commodities program is a rotating non-perishable food distribution, occurring every other month. The Community Corrections program is an alternative to incarceration, requiring community service credits.