Discover a Game-Changing Choice-Style Food Pantry Bringing Fresh Groceries to Low-Income Residents in Amesville!

Amesville’s New Food Pantry: A Helping Hand for Low-Income Residents

Amesville, Ohio—For many families in Amesville, getting groceries can be a challenge. The nearest grocery store is a 20-minute drive away in Athens, which isn’t convenient for those with limited means. To tackle this issue, HAPCAP has launched a new choice-style food pantry at Amesville Elementary.

Walking into the pantry feels like stepping into a mini grocery store. Shelves are filled with everything from fresh potatoes to pasta sauce. There are even refrigerators stocked with cheese, meat, and frozen fruit. Visitors can grab a shopping cart and pick out exactly what they need, making the experience more personal and dignified.

Raya Abner, the community engagement manager at HAPCAP, pointed out the importance of this pantry’s location. “There’s no grocery store nearby,” she explained. “Residents need a place that’s closer and more accessible.” The pantry aims to provide essential groceries without the hassle of a long drive.

This new setup is modeled after the successful HAPCAP for Health Market in Logan, which opened last year. Unlike traditional food pantries where food is pre-bagged or sorted, patrons can choose what they take home. “It offers so much more variety, and families can pick foods that suit their tastes and needs,” Abner shared. This choice empowers individuals and respects their preferences.

The demand for food assistance is growing in Ohio. Recent data shows that nearly 30% of Ohioans qualify for food assistance, reflecting rising economic challenges. As more families look for help, the need for accessible food sources like the Amesville pantry becomes even more critical.

So far, the pantry has had a cautious start, serving only a few families. Abner hopes as news spreads, more people will discover this valuable resource. In Logan, the market sometimes sees over 80 visitors in a single day, a hopeful sign for Amesville’s future.

The pantry operates on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. Anyone earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty line can benefit from this service. As communities work together to fill gaps in grocery access, local initiatives like this one are crucial in creating a support system for those in need.

As the pantry grows and serves more families, it is clear that the focus on choice and dignity is a step in the right direction for community assistance.

Check out this related article: Exploring the Connection: How Our Relationship with Food Impacts Mental Health

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