HARRISBURG - As part of this year's annual Senior Fair, state Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, is asking participants to consider bringing a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food bank.

"The current economic times have put a strain on most family budgets, which has meant that more people than ever will need a little help from a local food bank," McCall said. "Our area's food banks do an amazing job making sure no one has to go hungry, but they need our help to keep helping others."Any donations received during my Senior Fair in October will be taken directly to a local food bank for distribution to local families. While it may mean only one or two extra things on an individual's grocery list, when combined with other donations, that extra can or two will help to feed many of our neighbors."Food donations are not required for entry into the Senior Fair, which is free and open to all older adults in the 122nd Legislative District, but all donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted.Some examples of the more popular food bank food items include: beef stew, canned processed meat, pork and beans, green beans, instant potatoes, tomato soup, chili and beans, kidney beans, spaghetti, canned milk, powdered milk, fruit cocktail, canned pasta, jelly, canned salmon, tuna fish, spaghetti sauce (plain or with meat), peanut butter, canned corn, vegetable soup, canned peas, rice, chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese boxed dinners, cereals, apple sauce, peaches, crackers, and salad dressing.McCall's Senior Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Memorial Hall in Jim Thorpe.