You'll be seeing the West Ohio Food Bank in a new set of wheels during their food distributions. Because of the long-standing partnership with Kroger, the West Ohio Food Bank received a donation from the grocery store chain to purchase a new distribution truck. The new refrigerated truck and consistent help from the Ohio National Guard, will increase efficiency by cutting down on trips and loading more food with the truck. Kroger also continues with their Zero Hunger, Zero Waste campaign by providing food to the food bank for distribution, to cut down on the amount of food wasted and people that go hungry.

The Allen County Fairgrounds opened up their gates today for the first time since the pandemic hit for the West Ohio Food Bank’s distribution. As we enter our 8th week of COVID-19 conditions in Ohio, hundreds of cars were lined up at the Allen County Fairgrounds for what the CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank says is their biggest distribution they’ve ever had. For this distribution, American Electric Power of Ohio helped provide over 107,000 lbs. worth of food with a generous donation of $25,000 to the West Ohio Food Bank. Now more than ever, the community has been coming together to help those in need, and the food bank has been more than appreciative of these partnerships.

The National Guard has been activated by Gov. DeWine to help alleviate pressure from the Coronavirus. The need hasn’t stopped in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, the National Guard has stepped in to get food to the hungry. Their orders came in late last week and the members of the National Guard had to quickly prepare to assist at 12 food banks across Ohio, beginning Monday. The CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima says without them the food bank was in jeopardy.

When Hamilton started, they were distributing around 6-million pounds of food last year it was up to 9-million pounds and they hope to push 10 million pounds this year. The search has started for Hamilton’s replacement. They are looking for someone with at least 5 years experience and skilled in budgeting and planning.

Giving back to the community has always been important to 11-year-old Jacob Miller. That’s why every year he saves up his money from doing chores and donates it to area organizations. Last year, he donated to 60 dollars to the West Ohio Food Bank and this year he more than doubled that amount by giving $160. I just want to save so many lives instead of them going hungry and just not getting any food. The money he has donated will go towards purchasing food for the area school pantries. West Ohio Food Bank CEO Linda Hamilton said she is not only grateful for the donation but is also impressed with Miller and the values he has learned from his family.

The West Ohio Food Bank will be helping more people in need this year thanks to an event put on by the Lima Buffalo Wild Wings. More than $3,200 was donated to the food bank. The money was raised from donations, proceeds from the restaurant and cruise-in. The cruise-ins were held this summer on Monday nights at Buffalo Wild Wings. The West Ohio Food Bank chief executive officer said this money will go a long way in the community, especially during the holidays.