Feeding the Community: OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital's Collaborative Effort to Combat Food Insecurity

In a remarkable display of community collaboration, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, United Way, and the West Ohio Food Bank joined forces to host a summer food drive at Trinity Friends Church on July 23. This initiative aimed to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity, providing vital assistance to those in need.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Overwhelming Response Highlights the Depth of Need

The food drive was a resounding success, with volunteers from the three organizations distributing over 8 tons of food to more than 200 families in just two hours. The sheer volume of people in need was a sobering revelation, as Paula Stabler, the chief nursing officer at Van Wert Hospital, expressed. "You don't really realize how many people need assistance, so just to see the cars lined up even an hour before we started here—to get that was just overwhelming, like it just fills your cup knowing that you were able to serve people in the community," she told WLIO.

Volunteers Find Fulfillment in Giving Back

The volunteers who participated in the food drive shared a profound sense of reward and purpose. Verna Gillette, who had once relied on the pantry herself, found new meaning in helping others. "Ever since, I've been helping out here and I help inside at the food bank, and it has brought a purpose to my life," Gillette told WLIO. The act of giving back not only provided sustenance to those in need but also nourished the volunteers' own sense of community and purpose.

Continuing the Momentum: Upcoming Food Drive

The success of the July 23 food drive has paved the way for a second event, scheduled for August 27, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church. This upcoming drive will once again provide an opportunity for the community to come together and support those facing food insecurity.For those interested in volunteering, the organizers have provided contact information: [email protected] or [email protected]. By lending a helping hand, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors and contribute to the ongoing efforts to alleviate food insecurity in the region.The collaborative efforts of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, United Way, and the West Ohio Food Bank have demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing pressing social challenges. Through the success of the July 23 food drive and the upcoming event, the organizers have shown that by working together, they can make a meaningful impact and provide vital support to those in need.