At the end of the summer, OBSERVER Staff Writer Mary Heyl reported — before the start of the school year — on the growing number of reduced and free lunches going to students at area schools. According to the article, the Community Eligibility Program found that every school district in northern Chautauqua County is near-eligible for the program.

Chautauqua Lake, Forestville, Fredonia and Westfield report the lowest percentages at 32 percent, 30 percent, 32 percent and 32 percent, respectively. The four districts with the highest percentages are Brocton, Cassadaga Valley, Dunkirk and Silver Creek at 41 percent, 42 percent, 62 percent and 44 percent, respectively.

Those numbers add credibility to a need now — and for the coming holiday season.

Through Friday, the Fredonia Food Pantry at 219 Central Ave. is leading the charge for the Feeding Fredonia Challenge. A number of businesses in the village are serving as drop-off sites for the non-perishable food items that can be dropped off when the shop is open. Foods needed include: beans, canned fruits, canned meats, canned vegetables, cereal, coffee, dry milk, peanut butter, rice, soups and canned spaghetti sauces and pastas.

There is a definite need. Give today — and in the future.