Discover Summer Food Distribution at Keystone High in LaGrange: Nourishing Our Community

A mobile food distribution event recently took place at Keystone High School in LaGrange, providing much-needed support to local families. This initiative was a collaboration with the Educational Service Center of Lorain County and the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.

The event, held on June 16, aimed to help families who struggle to get enough food, particularly during the summer when school meals are unavailable. Sarah McCall, the wellness coordinator for Keystone Local Schools, highlighted the importance of this effort. “In summer, kids lose their free and reduced lunches,” she explained. “This helps parents provide for them.”

Community engagement is crucial. McCall noted that social workers and wellness coordinators meet monthly to hand out shelf-stable food items. “This pantry is our first in over three years,” said Adam Jasso from Second Harvest. Items included crackers, peanut butter, pancake mix, and even fresh produce.

The response from the community was strong, with people arriving early to secure food. “We’re reaching a bigger audience,” McCall stated. This was a proactive step to ensure families and even seniors had access to nutritious food.

Julie Chase-Morefield, president of Second Harvest, acknowledged the challenges. Recent budget cuts have made securing food supplies tougher. “We face an estimated 18-20% drop in our food supply by the year’s end,” she noted. Despite this, the organization continues to work hard to provide essential items like meat and fresh produce.

In today’s landscape, food insecurity is becoming a greater concern. According to a recent report from Feeding America, more than 38 million people in the U.S. are facing hunger, particularly in rural communities. Programs like this mobile pantry are vital in addressing those needs.

For more information on local food assistance, you can visit the Second Harvest Food Bank or call 440-960-2265.

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