I for one am not ready to declare Y2K a non event, however others may chose differently, in that case the following may be of interest

http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000102FoodBank4.asp

2 much Y2K food? Don't waste it

Sunday, January 02, 2000

By Bob Batz Jr., Post-Gazette Staff Writer

If you've stockpiled 2 much food and water for Y2K, Y not give some of it to the less fortunate?

That's the idea behind "Y GO 2 Waste," a millennium food drive by America's Second Harvest.

The country's largest domestic hunger-relief charity will run the nationwide drive from Jan. 15 through Feb. 15. Its goal is to get more food to 31 million hungry Americans through Second Harvest's network of 189 food banks.

Those include the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne, which will oversee the effort locally. Working with that group will be the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania, whose headquarters -- at 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Downtown -- will serve as a collection point for people wishing to drop off donations of food or bottled water.

Food collection barrels also will be set up at all city and branch post offices in the 152 ZIP code region, as well as several in the suburbs, including Allison Park, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Clairton, Coraopolis, Natrona Heights, McKeesport, McKees Rocks, Monroeville, Pitcairn, West Mifflin, Verona and Wexford.

Experts, including Red Cross Executive Director Jerry Cozwith, have recommended that, as a hedge against possible disruptions in services related to entering the year 2000, people keep an ample supply of non-perishable foods and water, as well as medications, batteries and other supplies.

Being able to be self-sufficient for a few days is always a good idea, especially in winter, when a blizzard could shut down or slow society.

But Food Bank Executive Director Joyce Rothermel said that if everything continues to go smoothly with the turn of the New Year, people who've stockpiled more than they'll need can give it to those who regularly face an emergency -- hunger.

"I think there could be a great capacity for giving," she said, noting that this is the time of year that donations tend to fall off, while the need rises for people facing "the choice between heating and eating."

The food bank distributes more than a million pounds of food and grocery products each month to agencies serving those in need. And it can always use volunteers to help sort and repack donations.

Though the drive doesn't officially start until the 15th, Rothermel said, "People can start whenever they're ready" and can even take donations directly to their local pantry.

-- Helium (Heliumavid@yahoo.com), January 02, 2000

Answers

Great idea. I hope I'll be giving away lots of food . . . in March.

-- Think It (Through@Pollies.Duh), January 02, 2000.

Inclined to jump the gun there ain't ya? March? Probably a bit early.

-- Don Kulha (dkulha@vom.com), January 02, 2000.

I remember news stories last year that said our local food pantries were hurting badly at the end of summer, and had pretty much wiped out any reserves at that point. Some may decide to turn over food now, some may do so later, but I think whatever time it goes out it will do some good.If you got a lot of food seeds that you might not use all of, look for a community gardening project this spring.

Remember too the reports that as the stock market made many people richer and richer this year, the amount of money given as charitable contributions was down.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), January 02, 2000.