HEREABOUTS beth anspach
Like most food pantries in many neighborhoods this time of year, the Huber Heights FISH Food Pantry is bustling, taking in donations and serving families in need who are requesting help at a growing rate because of the declining economy.
“Two thousand ten was a bad year for a lot of local families,” said Raeanna Biddle, director of the FISH Food Pantry since March of this year. “There are usually people waiting when we open the doors every day.”
The FISH pantry serves an average of 80 needy families a month, and according to Biddle, the need continues to grow. “I’ve requested a larger space from Huber Heights schools so we can serve more people,” Biddle said. “We can only store so much food in the small space we have now.”
Currently FISH is located in a storage room in the administrative building behind Studebaker Middle School in Huber Heights, after being relocated from its long-time location at Kitty Hawk Elementary last spring. FISH receives donations from the Dayton Food Bank, most Huber Heights churches and the community. “Our community is very generous,” Biddle said.”
Biddle’s dream of a larger space would also allow the pantry to become a “choice pantry,” similar to some of the larger food pantries in other parts of Dayton. “With choice pantries, families are able to choose what they want in their orders,” Biddle said. “So if they don’t like a certain type of cereal or soup, they don’t have to have that kind.”
Biddle said South Park United Methodist Church in East Dayton runs that type of pantry and she hopes to one day model the Huber Heights pantry after that.
During each holiday season, long-time FISH director Sally Hamilton, who is still involved on a part-time basis, handles the Christmas food basket program.
“One hundred needy families will be receiving holiday meals and toys for their children this year because of this program,” Biddle said.
The program, a collaborative effort between FISH and VFW Post 3283, involves many local businesses and Hamilton handles soliciting donations of product and funds.
“People make donations and we try to make sure everyone gets the same thing in the baskets,” Biddle said.
The FISH pantry is volunteer operated and individuals must call ahead to arrange their once a month pickups. Elderly and disabled individuals may arrange home delivery.
FISH accepts donations of food and funds and never turns anything away, according to Biddle. It is always looking for volunteers to handle phone work and driving. For more information, call (937) 233-3474.
Contact this columnist at (937) 475-8212 or banspach@woh.rr.com.
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