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Shared Harvest Foodbank takes food directly to the people
ANSONIA, OH -- Shared Harvest Foodbank, in partnership with the Ohio
Army National Guard and Ohio Reserves, will host a “drive-thru” food
distribution at Ansonia Local Schools, April 22.
The Ohio Army National Guard is preparing food boxes for 1,000 families
at the foodbank, according to Terry Perdue, Executive Director of
Shared Harvest Foodbank. Many barriers to receiving food at this
distribution have been waived. “Typically, a family receiving food must
produce a photo ID, proof of residency, self-verify income, and sign a
form,” Perdue said. “All of those requirements have been temporarily
waived in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
All Darke County residents in need of food are welcome to attend this
event and receive food. No pre-registration is required to receive
food. Anyone picking up food should drive to the distribution
site during the appropriate hours. “People receiving food need to
stay in their vehicles while being loaded and be patient as we work to
get everyone the food they need,” Perdue said
The event is co-hosted by the Ohio State Extension, Darke County and Ansonia Local Schools.
Dr. Roseanne E. Scammahorn, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator for
Ohio State Extension, Darke County, said that because of statewide
school and business shutdowns, by the first week in April Ohio jobless
claims nearly doubled what was filed in all of 2019. “This is
evidence that as layoffs continue at an astonishing rate, there will be
more Darke Countians needing help for the first time,” she said.
“Nutritious food is key to maintaining one’s health, therefore, it is
more important than ever to reach
our community members in need. This food distribution opportunity
helps give individuals the peace of mind that they don’t have to worry
about how they are going to be able to feed their family.”
“We are facing unknown and unprecedented needs in the coming month, but
there is strength in numbers, and we do not need to try to tackle this
crisis alone,” she said. “Supporting one another is how we will be able
to continue to thrive and become resilient as a community.”
Jim Robson, Junior/Senior High Principal of Ansonia Local Schools,
where the distribution is to take place, said that the event gives him
personal peace of mind.
“I know there is a need for food in the county and with the virus, this
is perfect timing,” he said. “I know that schools in the county have
been supplying food for student lunches since we have been away from
face-to-face schooling, so I know there is a great need in our
communities.”
Additional, thanks to Toni Shellabarger and Tammy Green for helping bring Shared Harvest Foodbank to our community.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
Dr. Roseanne E. Scammahorn
Ohio State University Extension, Darke County
(937) 548-5215
scammahorn.5@osu.edu
Jim Robson
Junior High/Senior High Principal
937-337-5591
jim.robson@ansoniaschools.org
About Shared Harvest Foodbank
Shared Harvest Foodbank distributes surplus food donations to 90+
charities in 5 Ohio counties, providing meals or groceries to needy
families through our network of food pantries, soup kitchens and
shelters; distributes food each weekend to 3,400 children who exhibit
chronic signs of hunger through our BackPack program; distributes food
each month to 1,700 senior citizens living on the economic edge;
provides application assistance to displaced workers who need help
accessing works supports and distributes USDA commodities to four
sister foodbanks serving an additional 26 counties in Ohio. Visit
sharedharvest.org for more info.
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