In an effort to help people who are struggling with hard times, Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, will host its annual Fall Food Drive, which starts today.

Members of other fraternities, sororities and campus organizations will distribute plastic bags to Ames residents.

Groups will then return to the houses on Saturday to collect the filled bags.

“Last year, we collected 6,000 pounds of food. This year, we hope to collect between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds,” said Erik Wayne, Alpha Phi Omega’s service vice-president.

The food collected will be distributed to three area food pantries; Bethesda Lutheran Church, Jesus’s Right Hand and Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA).

Herbert Strasser, adviser to the fraternity, said weather plays a big part in how much food is collected. Last year, the weather didn’t cooperate, and Strasser said that could have had an effect on the amount of food collected.

“The three food pantries serve a viable function in the community,” Strasser said. “Ames is considered an affluent community, but it is amazing how many people’s checks cover just rent.

“Each pantry serves 100 to 200 people a month. This food we collect usually only lasts them one month.”

Strasser said area pantries are always looking for donations.

“Some area grocery stores and churches contribute to them, but it takes a whole community to keep the shelves stocked,” he said.

The groups will distribute bags to about 16,000 homes in Ames.

Last year, 12,000 bags were distributed, and 1,500 were collected.

“Every year, we get a little bit bigger and more organized. Hopefully, by distributing more bags, we can collect the extra 2,000 pounds we need,” said Wayne, sophomore in chemical engineering.

Strasser said placing the bags in a highly visible place also will help with the pick up.

“I really encourage people to fill their bags to help the underprivileged of Ames have a better opportunity to eat well-balanced and nutritious meals,” Wayne said.

Wayne said donations also can be taken directly to the food pantries.

People wanting to get their section of the community added to next year’s map, contact Strasser at 294-9434.