SHADYSIDE – Riesbeck’s Food Market and the Shadyside Fellowship Food Pantry are joining forces to support local residents in need. They’re offering pre-packed bags of food for $5 and $10 at the Riesbeck’s location from now until April 18.
These bags are designed to provide meals for families facing food insecurity. At the checkout, signs will inform customers about the bags and how their purchases will support the food pantry.
Erica Thomas, the Food Pantry Director, emphasized the importance of community support. “We do a lot of fundraising and food drives to supplement what we get from the Mid Ohio Food Collective. Many think we receive more food for free than we actually do,” she explained. “These drives help bring in diverse items. Since many clients visit regularly, it’s great when we can offer something different.”
According to recent statistics, food pantries nationwide have seen a steady increase in demand, with many reporting an uptick of around 30% since 2020. Thomas noted that the community’s response to their initiatives has been wonderful. “We had already sold seven bags on the first day,” she said.
This initiative not only provides food but also fosters community spirit. “We rely on food drives and the generosity of our local community. They always come through for us,” Thomas added, noting the volunteers and Riesbeck’s staff who help package the bags.
The idea for this program came from a similar partnership between Riesbeck’s and the St. Clairsville Food Pantry, thanks to volunteer Ashley Spencer’s efforts. “This makes it easy for people to give back,” Thomas said. “They can help without any extra effort—just buy a bag at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest.”
The food pantry operates every third Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3838 Lincoln Ave. To receive help, residents must either live in the village or be part of the Shadyside Local School District.
Community efforts like this not only address immediate needs but also create a support network that strengthens resilience in times of hardship. With continued collaboration and compassion, organizations like Riesbeck’s and the Shadyside Food Pantry can make a significant impact on the lives of those they serve.
For more details on similar initiatives, you can explore the report from the [Feeding America Network](https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/crisis-in-america), which highlights the ongoing challenges faced by food pantries and the communities they support.
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