Google Food Pantries in Greater Cincinnati and page upon page of results pop up on your screen and desperately need our help.

The number of families needing assistance isn’t going down- they’re rising.  And according the latest numbers, kids and families in the suburbs are experiencing the same issues traditionally found in inner city areas.  Recent articles in the Cincinnati Enquirer, NBC News, document the depth of the problem and many of our neighbors struggling to feed themselves and their families.

Local food pantries are scrambling to keep up with demand and need donations of non perishable food, money and/or volunteer time.  Most of the pantries are looking for:

• Peanut Butter
• Mac and Cheese
• Canned goods
• Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste…)
• Recycled plastic grocery bags used to redistribute stuff.

Other places looking for a helping hand include local schools and community/religious groups who are tapping into different segments of the population to supplement government programs – keeping school age kids from going hungry on the weekends and helping families with immediate health and financial needs.

Due to the economy, businesses contribution of goods and supplies (like plastic grocery bags) has been reduced while the number of people needing help keeps going up- so your local food bank or pantry needs your help now.  No donation of food, money or time is too small.  Many of the people living around you may be in need and by supporting the community based services- we keeps our neighborhoods strong – never know when you’ll need a helping hand.

Resources:  Butler County, Clermont County, Hamilton County, Warren County