DeWines Encourage Food Bank Volunteers on Hunger Action Day

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine made a call for volunteers to participate in a pilot program to address food insecurity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ohio is one of four states participating in the COVID-19 Food Security Pilot program to promote and organize volunteer recruitment efforts for state food banks.’

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks is looking to recruit 25 full-time Americorps Vista national service members to volunteer at food banks in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Logan, Lorain, Springfield and Toledo. The one-year volunteer terms will begin in October or November. Those interested in participating can learn more or apply at OhioFoodBanks.org/recruitment.

The DeWines made their plea on National Hunger Day – a day when national efforts focus on addressing hunger during September, which is Hunger Action Month. Fran DeWine commended state food banks and schools for coming up with “creative solutions” to provide meals to the people who need them.

“Nutrition plays such a big part in our lives,” First Lady DeWine said. “That’s why these food banks are such a vital resource of our communities.”

For those needed services, she encouraged them to visit OhioFoodBanks.com/coroanvirus.

Gov. DeWine also commended the efforts of the Ohio National Guard, whose members have been working with food banks throughout the state to assist with distribution.

“I’m proud of the members of our Ohio national guard, who have really stepped up and who have served many, many missions supporting our food banks and food distribution centers across the state of Ohio,” Gov. DeWine said. “Their work helped keep many of these centers keep going.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.