A worthwhile community effort, which includes businesses, residents and non-profit organizations, began Sunday and continues through the end of this week.

It is the Feeding Fredonia Challenge, being spearheaded by the Fredonia Presbyterian Church at 219 Central Ave., which is home to the village’s food pantry. The Challenge also has the backing of village Mayor Stephen Keefe, who recently offered a proclamation for the week.

Aimed at helping our neighbors in need, even non-Fredonia residents can help out. Challenge bags are located in a number of the village businesses that are participating all week. As we have seen recently through a state report, our area continues to face struggles when discussing the jobs market.

Most recently, while the state reported its highest number of private-sector jobs, our county lost 600 last month when compared to September 2013.

That is reason enough to pitch in – and all non-perishable foods are welcome.

“When you visit any of the 79 businesses participating in the Challenge, take an item or two in with you and put them in the Challenge bag that will be there,” noted Peggy Tiffany, a past president of Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, in a letter in the Sunday OBSERVER.

There’s still five days left in this effort. Plenty of time for us all to assist.