LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Hundreds of families lined up Monday for the only December food distribution offered by the West Ohio Food Bank, as demand for assistance continues to climb during the holiday season.
The distribution, typically a four-hour event, was extended to six hours to manage the higher volume of traffic. More than 1,100 families registered to drive through, receiving canned food, fresh produce and frozen baked goods.
The food bank normally holds two distributions each month, but with the final event falling just days before Christmas, Monday's effort was scaled up to ensure families have enough food to last through the month.
Tommie Harner, CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank, said the variety and quantity of items should help households stretch supplies — and possibly share with others in need.
“We're hopeful that if somebody didn't get signed up, and they know of a neighbor who did, they can share that food with them, because they should have a lot of fresh produce,” Harner said.
In addition to food distribution, the agency will provide Christmas Eve meals on Dec. 24 so families can enjoy a prepared holiday dinner that only needs reheating. No registration is required.
“Just come through and pick up what you need for your family. We are also delivering those to shut-ins within Allen County, so just give us a call if you need that delivered. We have a lot of volunteers, but we're still looking for more volunteers to either help distribute on that day or to help pack the meals the day before,” Harner said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or requesting delivery service is encouraged to call the West Ohio Food Bank at (419) 222-7946.
