Dance set to benefit Food Bank

Help the Food Bank feed more than 2,000 people a month and have a good time doing so at the Harvest Moon Dance Saturday at the Castine Center in Pelican Park.

Included in the $65 per person donation is a buffet by Spii Glass Catering, an open bar, martini fountain, and the music of Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and last until midnight.

In recent months, the Food Bank has had virtually empty shelves, with food in low supply for those in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes that need it.

The downturn in the economy has affected donations and demand for the services at the same time and in some instances, volunteers were sent home because there was not enough for them to do.

Jackie Catalanotto has said the Food Bank needs about $30,000 a month to survive. Aside from the Food Bank itself, the charity runs the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop, and a dental service.

Even the dentists volunteer their time and talents to help those in the community that need it.

Recently, local community and church groups have stepped up with donations of food and funds, but with the current demand, more regular funding is needed.

The Harvest Moon Dance will help the charity get through the holidays and help provide food for families that need the help.

It costs about $200 a month, or $100 every two weeks to feed a family for a month, far less than most families spend on groceries. Even when they get food donated from stores or distributors, many times they need to pay shipping costs.