During this crisis, don’t forget your local food pantry!

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton gives an update at MetroHealth Medical Center Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Cleveland, on the state’s preparedness and education efforts to limit the potential spread of a new virus which caused a disease called COVID-19. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) WCPO.com

“Shelter-in-place” with so many businesses shuttering- our neighbors are in need.

Anybody who can donate money or food needs to step up to help local community shelters and food pantries.

Local food pantries are scrambling to keep up with demand and need donations of non-perishable food and money   Most of the pantries are looking for:

• Peanut Butter
• Mac and Cheese
• Baby Formula
• Canned goods- vegies, fruits, meats/ poultry, and fish
• 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.  Local businesses contribute goods and supplies (like plastic grocery bags) but cannot keep up with the demand.

Remember 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- you keep your neighbors and neighborhoods strong – because you never know when you might need a helping hand.

Resources:  Reach Out Lakota, Fairfield Food Pantry, Shared Harvest Foodbank, Freestore Foodbank, Butler County, Clermont County, Hamilton County, Warren County  Also check with local churches, synagogues, temples and mosques-many operate community programs to help area residents.

Check with your charitable place of choice for guidelines on dropping off food and donations.

Stay healthy and be safe