Third Annual 'No Hungry Neighbors' will help feed Alta

Alta Municipal Utilities and the City of Alta are sponsoring their third annual food drive to serve the needy people in the community. The winter season is fast approaching and it brings additional hardships with it. During the past year, volunteers at the Lord's Cupboard have witnessed an increase in the number of people needing assistance. That number will continue to grow. Together the community can make a difference in the lives of the needy.

The purpose of "No Hungry Neighbors" is to help feed the working poor, the unemployed, the elderly, the disabled, the people on fixed incomes, the homeless, and those experiencing temporary emergencies. The goal has increased from 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of food this year. Donations will be given to our local food pantry, The Lord's Cupboard, for distribution.

Suggested food items include: canned meat, hot dogs, tuna, cereals, canned fruit, canned vegetables, packaged meals, jello, pudding, sugar, flour, juices, soups, spaghetti sauces, dry pasta, peanut butter, dish soap, laundry detergent, and paper products.

Collection barrels are placed at City Hall, 223 Main Street. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. If you wish to make arrangements for donation pick-up, please call City Hall at 200-2105 or the Utility Office at 200-1122. Monetary donations would also be appreciated. Checks may be made out to "The Lord's Cupboard" and dropped off or mailed to Alta City Hall.

In conjunction with co-sponsoring the third annual food drive, Alta Municipal Utilities is also taking a proactive approach to energy efficiency. The utilities will give a compact fluorescent light bulb to every residence and business in Alta this Christmas season. The compact fluorescent bulb will not be delivered, but can be picked up at the utility business office at 223 South Main Street. The CFL is a 19-watt bulb with the lumens output of a 75-watt incandescent bulb. Alta Utilities recognizes the value of energy conservation as a means of saving the consumer money and improving our carbon footprint on the environment. Recent studies show changing one light bulb per electric meter has the potential of a one percent decrease in energy consumption. The utility realizes this is a small step in solving the energy problem, but a step in the right direction.

Remember to ask for your compact fluorescent bulb when you stop at city hall or drop off your donation to the food drive. Each donation, no matter how large or small, will play a significant part in helping our needy neighbors. Watch for updates on the progress of the drive in reaching our goal of 3,000 pounds on the local Altatec cable channel 3!