2024 Summer Update
New Mini-Mobile Initiative Brings Food to Remote Communities
The SE Ohio Foodbank’s Mini-Mobile Market program addresses transportation barriers in rural areas by delivering food directly to neighborhoods and community gathering places. This initiative is vital for residents who cannot easily travel to larger distribution events at county fairgrounds.
Recently, SE Ohio Foodbank trucks set up at the Federal Valley Resource Center. As the thrift shop opened and pickleball practice began, a few cars were already waiting. Throughout the event, neighbors chatted, caught up on the week’s events, and discussed meal plans using the ingredients they received, such as split pea soup and applesauce. The majority of participants were over 60, reflecting the increased need for food assistance among older adults.
Traditional mobile markets, typically held at county fairgrounds, serve hundreds of families. However, Mini-Mobile Markets ensure those unable to reach the fairgrounds have access to food closer to home. As the project progresses, the SE Ohio Foodbank team is identifying more locations and increasing the frequency of events to enhance food accessibility in remote areas.
Kroger Donation Supports Children Facing Hunger
Thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from Kroger, children facing hunger in Southeast Ohio will enjoy more than 12,000 meals and snacks this summer. This partnership fueled the recent Summer Meals Packing Event, where volunteers packed boxes of shelf stable, kid-friendly foods.
In our community, one in five children face food insecurity. The absence of school meals in the summer makes it even harder for them to get the nutritious food they need. Kroger’s contribution ensures that the SE Ohio Foodbank can reach any child in need, regardless of their eligibility for state-funded nutrition programs.
Over 40 Kroger leadership and staff members, along with special guests, including Kelli Johnson, from Senator Vance’s office, and Jeremy Shanklin, from Congressman Wenstrup’s office, participated in this event. Mark Bruce, Corporate Affairs Manager for Kroger’s Columbus Division, shared the importance of events like this, “Each member of our team talked about how impactful it was to see 3,000 boxes packed with a total of 12,000 meals, realizing there’s a need for even more. Our associates left energized to keep working and keep doing what they can to feed more of our neighbors.”
In addition to the meals made possible by Kroger, SE Ohio Foodbank will provide food to 15 summer meal sites across Athens, Gallia, Hocking, and Perry Counties. The rural summer meals program will also return, offering shelf-stable food boxes to those unable to make it to summer meal sites. Together, we are making a significant impact on childhood hunger, helping children grow and thrive.
