Latino fraternity leads food basket giveaway

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc., Phiota, along with the help of an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. member, and Enlaces Hispanos, donated food to four single mothers during their event, ‘Food Baskets for Single Hispanic Mothers in Need’ held Satuday, July 27. Each of the families consisted of a single Hispanic mother with the challenge of supporting two or more children.

School’s out and many college students have left to tend to their summer activities. Organizations have packed up for the summer and await the incoming school year. For one organization however, their mission of service continues. The brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Phiota), along with the help of an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. member and Enlaces Hispanos, donated food to four single mothers during their event, “Food Baskets for Single Hispanic Mothers in Need” held Saturday, July 27.

Along with the financial support of the organization, two members of Phiota, traveled from Washington, D.C., to the city of Petersburg in order to help fellow brothers distribute the food containers and continue their mission of helping families in need. Food essentials were gathered and packaged into large plastic containers.

These containers included potatoes, rice and salt along with other important food items and some bathroom essentials. The organization hopes that these baskets will help alleviate some of the burden these single mothers face on a daily basis.

Each of the families consisted of a single Hispanic mother with the challenge of supporting two or more children. Social and financial factors have made life difficult for many families across the United States. These factors have significant implications on the upbringing of the children within these homes and the mothers who raise them. Absence of food can affect the education of these children. Along with these educational implications, lack of food can hinder health, brain growth, and the overall development of the children within these homes. The Virginia alumni association of Phi Iota Alpha Inc. acknowledges that the distribution of these baskets is a small step in helping families within its region. The association looks forward to partnering with Enlaces Hispanos along with other Greek organizations in order to make basic needs much more accessible to families within the region.

This event joins Phi Iota Alpha’s various philanthropic activities throughout the United States, and is a representation of the organization’s continuous mission of alleviating the problems many families face in this day in age.

Phi Iota Alpha is the oldest Latino Fraternity in existence and has dedicated itself to service since its inception in 1931.