MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - In times of need, reaching out for help can feel overwhelming.

By calling or visiting Second Harvest's website, you can connect with any of 163 partner agencies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, prepared to take the weight of hard times off of your shoulders.

Many local pantries will only service those who live within a certain distance, so you'll want to confirm what options are available to you ahead of time.

"The worst thing that anyone wants to do is take the time to call or even drive somewhere, and find they can't be helped there," Second Harvest Food Bank Development Director Renee Fuller says. "We don't want anyone to feel that way. We want to provide whatever help we can give them and point them in the right direction."

You don't need to be enrolled or qualify for SNAP benefits to receive food assistance at a local pantry. However, you will need to fill out a form during your first visit, providing basic information including your name, zip code, income, and number of people in your household.

Some locations, including Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard, are able to provide one-time emergency assistance kits to anyone, upon request.

Assistant Director Ruthann Mathews encourages anyone who is having difficulty making ends meet, to reach out.

"Everybody wants to eat, and everybody wants a healthy meal, whether it's for yourself or for your children, or for your neighbor. So don't be ashamed to ask for help," Mathews adds.