On March 14, little Natalie Cook, age 7 1/2 , and her grandmother Susan Cook marched alongside the FOOD Share St. Patrick's Day float encouraging participation in the organization's March to End Hunger food drive, asking residents for much needed canned goods and protein to feed children and families in Ventura County

Even at a young age Cook understood the importance of gathering food for others in the community. "I feel really supportive when I do that (help others)," Natalie said. "When I walked in the parade, I was really happy and liked all the kids."

Jeanne Benitez, annual gift manager at FOOD Share, and her team created a float combining FOOD Share's positive outlook and the St. Patrick's Day theme with a pot-of gold at the end of a colorful rainbow shining over a FOOD Share truck. The float took first prize in the non-profit category.

Little Natalie, FOOD Share staff, volunteers and supporters danced for the crowds, happy to bring more awareness to the growing need for food to feed the residents of Ventura County.

"Working with FOOD Share has demonstrated not only the goodness of Venturans but also their eagerness to seek out opportunities to help our less fortunate fellow citizens," Susan Cook said.

Bonnie Weigel, CEO of FOOD Share, also joined supporters and marched at the event. "I am so glad FOOD Share could participate in the parade," she said. "It is so important people remember the need for food doesn't stop. We call on all members of the community to help FOOD Share March to End Hunger in Ventura County."

A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County.

Its Brown Bag and Snack Attack programs provide supplemental nutrition to about 1,800 low income seniors through 32 agencies and healthy nutritious after school snacks to approximately 1,800 children though 12 agencies countywide and provides food to more than 40,000 people each month. Information: (805) 983-7100.

© 2009 Ventura County Star