COLUMBUS, Ohio — Every day, the Mid-Ohio Foodbank provides enough meals for 150,000 people in need.
That number is almost certain to increase in coming months.
- People are relying on organizations like the Mid-Ohio Foodbank now more than ever
- The organization is stll reaching out for volunteers to help pack and distribute food
- The Mid-Ohio Foodbank is onlly providing pre-packaged boxes and stepped up their sanitizing effort
“Just given all of these recent developments, we are expecting that to increase. So now we're just preparing and doing as much as we can to be ready for that once that hits,” said Mid-Ohio Food Bank spokesperson Malik Perkins.
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank has also experienced an uptick from parents whose kids are home from school and are not able to provide lunches for them.
They've also had an increase in personal hygiene items, which are not so readily available at some grocery stores or are not eligible for shoppers using food stamps.
“Toiletries, toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers, things of that nature. Things you actually cannot purchase with SNAP, so there's also an increased demand for those items,” said Perkins.
We found hundreds of volunteers packing and delivering boxes full of dairy, produce, bread and non-perishable foods.
With so much need, the food bank is in need, too — of even more volunteers — especially on Saturdays, to help in food sorting and packing and at their on-site pantry in Grove City.
“We have been receiving a lot of requests from people who are asking how exactly they can get involved and that's very encouraging. With that being said, we will need more help from the community. And we're in a community that seems willing to do that,” said Perkins.
Since the 12th, the food bank is only providing pre-packaged boxes to minimize the spread of germs.
They’re also stepped up their sanitizing efforts and social distancing is, of course, encouraged.
Workers and employees know in these unprecedented times, they will have to remain patient, and dedicated to helping Ohioans in need.
“We have hand sanitizer stations everywhere, we're providing gloves. But we know we have to be the ones to step up when our customers need us the most. And we're proud to do that, and the community is stepping up with us,” said Perkins.
Governor DeWine said Wednesday that the Mid-Ohio Foodbank is expected to receive assistance by the National Guard.
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank accepts volunteers, ages 16 and older. For more information, check out their website.
For the latest updates, go to: coronavirus.gov.