LORAIN, Ohio — A food pantry In Northeast Ohio is trying to figure out how to meet its latest challenge in order to continue serving those who most need support during this pandemic. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Second Harvest Food Bank is in need of volunteers to distribute food boxes

  • The Ohio National Guard has been assisting, but will soon be deployed elsewhere

  • The need for food boxes has increased since the pandemic

“It’s a lot of hard work and we don’t have the volunteers right now or enough volunteers to get it all done,” said Susan Bartosch, director, external affairs, Second Harvest Food Bank.

Officials with the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, located in Lorain, say they are seeking help to continue feeding the growing number of families in need during this pandemic. 

The National Guard has assisted with food distribution, but Guard members will be soon be deployed elsewhere

Bartosch says volunteers are essential.

"We do need them, so anybody that wants to help out, give us a call and we'll talk to you about it”

Some people have already stepped forward.

“It’s important to give back to your community and I’m so fortunate to be able to do it for such a good organization,” said Barbara Hornbeek, a volunteer.

Second Harvest distributes food to the needy four times a week all over the county, like the Black River Landing in the city of Lorain. 

“I'm so upset. I love doing this. I love helping the community, helping the people, and they love us being out here helping them,” said Sergeant Monique Bryant, of the Ohio National Guard.

Sgt. Bryant is grateful for the impact of this National Guard assignment. 

“As of right now, our orders are up on August 7 and that’s when they are telling us to leave the food bank. Hopefully, the National Guard will extend us to help the community, to feed everybody, and help the food bank.”