As the economy begins to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation won’t be immediately back to normal for several Northland families. That’s where Smithville American Legion Post 58 is looking to make a difference.

On Saturday, June 13th the American Legion Post gave away about 2000 boxes of fruit, canned goods, meat, dairy products and staples like rice and flour to northland families. They look to repeat the event on Saturday, June 27th.

The Sons of the American Legion found out about this special program and brought it to Post 58 to help out the community. The food, supplies, boxes and trucks are all funded through the CARES Act passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under the CARES Act the USDA has partnered with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat. The distributors and wholesalers then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations and other non-profits serving Americans in need,” states the USDA website.

“The American Legion gave away about 2000 boxes of food last week to needy families, and it went really fast,” said American Legion Member Dewayne Knott. “It’s a neat program because the food is wholesome and nutritious”.

The Smithville American Legion Post 58 will be giving away boxes of food to needy families again on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 am until they run out of products. The food pickup location is at Smithville High School, 645 South Commercial Avenue, Smithville. Boxes will be distributed from refrigerated trucks and contain food items like fruit, dairy products, canned goods, flour, rice, beans and other products.

For more information, call Ellis Bertellison at 816-560-4765.

KPGZ News - Brain Watts contributed to this report