Fewer people in the Valley may be going hungry thanks to grants awarded by the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

Foodbank officials announced the distribution of $40,500 in grants to expand capacity to accept, store and distribute fresh foods to a dozen local food pantries that help feed hungry Valley families

Youngstown, OH (03/10/20) Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley recently

Partnering with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, Second Harvest says the funding will allow food pantries to purchase new equipment so that they can accept, store and distribute fresh, wholesome foods to struggling families.

Below is a listing of the pantries who were awarded grants.

  • Oasis Food Ministry Columbiana $3,100
  • Southern Community Center of Salineville Columbiana $4,000
  • The Way Station - Columbiana Columbiana $700
  • The Way Station - East Liverpool Columbiana $4,300
  • Beulah Baptist Church Mahoning $2,800
  • God's Warehouse, Inc. Mahoning $4,500
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Mahoning $3,800
  • South Range Council of Church and Community Mahoning $2,200
  • St. Mary & Joseph Church Food Pantry Trumbull $5,000
  • Humility of Mary Housing - Emmanuel Community Care Center Trumbull $1,300
  • The Salvation Army - Warren Trumbull $4,300
  • Warren Family Mission Trumbull $4,500

 

"We are so grateful for this funding, which was included by the State of Ohio in the last state budget to help our food pantries increase the amount of fresh produce, dairy and protein that they can handle and distribute," said Mike Iberis, executive director, Second Harvest Food Bank. "Fresh produce is the one of the most sought-after items, but also one of the most perishable. This new equipment will allow local partners to bring more fresh, nutritious foods to our neighbors in need."

Grants in the Second Harvest Food Bank's region were part of $500,000 in total funding distributed statewide by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, thanks to support from the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Mike DeWine.

Across Ohio, grant funds will be used to purchase an estimated 116 refrigerators and 93 freezers, as well as dozens of items like insulated blankets, shelving and pallet jacks. This equipment is essential because it will allow food pantries to safely store food, prolong its shelf-life where possible, and make it safer and easier for volunteers to sort, move and distribute foods.

In the Buckeye state, more than three in 10 Ohioans live in households with incomes low enough to qualify for help from foodbanks.

In 2019, the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley distributed a record 11.5 million pounds of food through a network of 160 member agencies and programs in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties.

"Food insecurity and hunger are major public health crises and directly contribute to the rapidly rising cost of health care," said Iberis. "As we celebrate National Nutrition Month in March, there is no better time to focus on efforts to provide Ohioans facing food insecurity with wholesome, healthy foods."

For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org