April 16, 2020 - 4:44pm -- scammahorn.5@osu.edu

Event: Food Distribution

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Ansonia Local Schools, 600 East Canal St., Ansonia, OH 

DARKE COUNTY, 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.