The Center on 5th, located at 505 W. 5th St. in Jasper, has launched a monthlong food drive during November to collect non‑perishable groceries for local food banks. Organizers are accepting canned goods, cereals, peanut butter, pasta and sauces, while discouraging donations in glass containers to reduce breakage and safety risks. Donors who prefer to give money can contribute through Community CHEW by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.

The drive is timely for Dubois County residents, as colder weather and holiday expenses often increase demand at food pantries. Shelf‑stable items such as peanut butter and cereal are especially useful because they provide calories and protein without refrigeration, making them practical for households facing tight budgets or limited storage. Pasta and sauce are also valuable for creating filling, low‑cost meals that stretch modest food budgets.

Local food banks rely on community drives like this to maintain steady inventories between larger seasonal pushes. While federal nutrition programs such as SNAP provide critical support for many families, community food pantries fill gaps and offer an essential safety net for households experiencing sudden income loss, transportation barriers, or other hardships. The Center on 5th’s initiative helps ensure pantries can meet immediate needs without diverting funds from other services.

Beyond immediate hunger relief, the drive has public health implications. Food insecurity is linked to poorer management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and can push families toward cheaper, less nutritious foods. By prioritizing a range of non‑perishable nutritious options, the drive seeks to reduce some of these downstream health risks and support overall community well‑being.

The location at 505 W. 5th St. makes the drop‑off accessible to many Jasper residents; organizers have designated doors #1 and #4 for donations to provide clear, contactless options. The request to avoid glass containers recognizes safety concerns for volunteers and people handling donations, and it helps food banks store and process items more efficiently.

Monetary donations through Community CHEW offer food banks flexibility to buy fresh produce, dairy or other items that do not store well in pantry environments, and to address culturally appropriate food needs. The event flyer includes a QR code for those who wish to give electronically.

As Dubois County organizations and neighbors prepare for the winter months, the Center on 5th drive is an opportunity for residents to support local food security. Donations can be dropped off throughout November at the designated doors, or financial gifts can be made through the Community CHEW QR code on the flyer. More information about the drive was shared by local media at wjts.tv.