It was a busy year in 2020 for Ohio County food pantries, as the needs of Ohio County residents were at an all-time high. In March, just two weeks after schools and businesses began to shut down, groups across the county saw the need to collaborate on solutions to hunger and coordinate efforts to better serve the community. What resulted was the formation of the Ohio County Food Security Team.
“As a Family Resource Network, we are tasked with facilitating collaboration among organizations to help reduce gaps in services and eliminate duplication of services. With the pandemic, we saw an urgent need to bring together local non-profits to understand who was providing services, how those services could be accessed, and how we could best work together to meet the community’s needs,” said Claudia Raymer, Executive Director of the Ohio County Family Resource Network.
The Ohio County Food Security Team recently unveiled a new way for those in need to access food when transportation into Wheeling may be an issue or needs arise outside traditional operating hours. With the help of volunteer Quinton Northcraft, the team placed permanent “Blessing Boxes” at the West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department and the Valley Grove Community Center.
Blessing boxes contain non-perishable food items and other necessities and can be accessed by community members at any time. Residents can also donate items to the boxes. Members of the food security team will monitor the boxes which were stocked by The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling and with funds provided by Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.
“The combined work of the agencies to make sure no one falls through the cracks is evident in the Blessing Boxes,” said Becky Rodocker, Executive Director for The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling. “They are helpful to community members who may need assistance, and they provide a perfect teaching experience for young children learning to give back.”
While food insecurity is often discussed in relation to younger children, team members noted it is important to acknowledge that the entire family is experiencing hunger. This has shaped the team’s approach to ensuring no vulnerable group is forgotten. It has also fueled their desire to breakdown the tendency to operate in silos to realize the best possible outcome.
“This collaboration brings the school system, community feeding and social service organizations, and the perspective of people experiencing food insecurity together to build a network that allows the problem to be addressed more efficiently and realistically, creating an opportunity for more people to gain access. I believe it should serve as a model for school systems and communities across the state, even after the pandemic has ended,” said Amy Jo Hutchison Organizer, Our Future WV and Ohio County resident.
The Blessings Boxes are located at 1333 Van Meter Way, West Liberty and 8566 National Rd, Valley Grove. Two more Blessings Boxes will be placed in the county over the coming months.
For more information contact Claudia Raymer at 304-232-5600 or email OhioCountyFRN@yahoo.com
