BY PRISCILLA GREEAR

ATLANTA--The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP), the lay Catholic organization which helps people in need throughout metro Atlanta, has joined with Kroger to offer the Kroger Commitment Cash Card.

When a shopper at Kroger presents this card at check-out, Kroger will donate one to three percent of the shopper's total purchase to SVDP. The card is free and all money raised will directly support the society's food pantry and help individuals in need of food. Those interested may request a card from SVDP or donate money directly to SVDP food programs. The organization relies completely on contributions.

With the reduction in funding to the Food Stamp Program, there is an even greater need for reliable sources like SVDP for families without a sufficient food supply. Nancy Sestak, development director at the society, said, "We anticipate an increase (in callers). There will be a definite increase and need for food." Last year they received 23,000 referrals from United Way, and that number will likely rise as well, she said.

Congressional reforms to the Food Stamp Program make legal aliens ineligible to receive food stamps as of April 1 and permit refugees to receive them for five years only. In a letter to SVDP, Wayne Drummond, director of DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services, expressed hope that SVDP and other service organizations will be able to accommodate an increased food demand.

"It will be important that we carefully link families with a meaningful referral where they can receive help with food," he wrote, estimating that up to 1,200 families in DeKalb County alone could be affected by these changes.

Last year SVDP provided over $45,000 in food to 716 families. Their food pantry at 26 Third Street in Atlanta assists over 50 families each month with grocery staples and also supports St. Francis Table at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony's soup kitchen in the West End, and two parish food pantries. If you would like to request a free Kroger card, call Nancy Sestak at (404) 874-0213.