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Pantry workers see hunger’s changing face

Children, former middle-class families are fastest growing groups needing assistance.

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By Marie Rossiter, Staff Writer 1:34 AM Sunday, November 15, 2009

Feeding the hungry is nothing new for food programs such as the Lebanon and Waynesville pantries, but volunteers said they are seeing a shift in who is coming to them for help.

“Some of the people we’re seeing were CEOs or in high jobs in their company,” said Sally Andrews, a Waynesville Food Pantry volunteer. “There are families saying they never imagined ever needing to come to a food pantry. But many people can’t even get entry-level jobs because everyone is holding onto them now.”

Lebanon Food Pantry volunteer Wilma Daugherty said her time volunteering has opened her eyes as to the face of hunger in Warren County.

“Until you come here, it’s hard to fully realize the amount of people who need help,” Daugherty said. “It’s all around us. You just have to be aware of it.”

Children are one of the fastest-growing population groups needing food assistance. Lebanon schools recently started a weekend “backpack for kids” food program based on the number of children who qualify for the free lunch program. Approximately seven children in each classroom of 28 are living on the brink of hunger, according to Warren County Commissioner and Yes We Can Food Drive Challenge coordinator Pat South.

Daugherty said helping more families puts a strain not only on their food supply, but other basic necessities.

“We’re seeing a lot of people looking for diapers, shampoo, soap and other toiletries,” said Daugherty. “These are things that they can’t purchase and most people forget are needed.”

The only requirements to visit the Lebanon or Waynesville food pantries is proof of residency. Volunteers said this is to make sure they are helping local residents.

“Unfortunately, there is not an endless supply,” Daugherty said. “We used to get help from other communities in Dayton, Cincinnati and Butler County. But they have stopped because of their communities’ demands, too.”

In addition to the countywide food drive, local school districts are also lending a hand to the hungry.

How you can help

The fourth annual Warren County Yes We Can Food Drive Challenge runs through Dec. 31. More than 100 businesses and local government agencies throughout the county have signed up for a food barrel for non-perishable food donations.

A full list of drop-off locations is available at www.patsouth.com. Click on the food drive link at the top of the Web page for more information.

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It saddens me to think these folks are the same ones that will make up the 25% unable to pay the health care premiums and are hit with the $750 fine equalling 2.8 trillion in income to lower the premiums of the more fortunat. Where is the mercy and fairness?

Larry

Larry Drake
6:06 PM, 11/26/2009

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You know, just because someone owns a nice home and/or drives a nice car, does not mean that they are not financially strapped. Many executives who once earned good wages to support their families are now without employment, however; they still must figure out a way to pay their mortgage and car payments because they can't sell in this economy. Do not judge a book by its cover- there are plenty of people who need help, not just the homeless.

LebanonResident
10:26 AM, 11/16/2009

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So if you don't live in Lebanon don't donate in Lebanon. Who decides how much of the food donated goes to Lebanon, S. Lebanon, Morrow, Waynesville, etc. Food pantries are all over the county. Does all the food donated outside Kroger, Aldi's, SavALot go to Lebanon? There are some people who are just greedy. Like the well to do woman living in a $300K home who applied for food stamps.

Idontliveinlebanon
3:24 PM, 11/15/2009

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Wish Pat South would try helping the over 400 employees of Warren County who are losing their perscription card at the first of the year. As of January 1st they'll have to pay CASH for their heart,diabetes,cancer, whatever medications. A lot of these hard working people have no ideal how they are going to do that with the new high deductible HSA insurance. Some of these people are looking at HUNDREDS of dollars for medicine per month before they meet their deductible. Just a thought.

Hey
11:56 AM, 11/15/2009

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Question, If I make 80 thousand a yr all i have to do is show proof Of residency and receive free food and other things. no wonder there's more people applying. Please explain I'm confused

Jon
9:33 AM, 11/15/2009

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