The mobile pantry helped nearly 250 families in less than two hours
by: Gerry Ricciutti
Posted: Feb 5, 2021 / 3:55 PM EST
Updated: February 5, 2021 / 6:01 PM EST
SEBRING, Ohio (WKBN) – Second Harvest Food Bank served nearly 250 families from western Mahoning County in less than two hours.
The organization set up a shop with a mobile pantry at the BL Miller Elementary School in Sebring.
The cars and SUVs lined up on the back streets near BL Elementary in Sebring before 8am to do a grocery giveaway that didn’t start until around 10am
Since the pandemic began a year ago, Second Harvest and members of the Ohio National Guard have served the Sebring community four or five times since the pantry began.
They securely hand out supplies to anyone who needs a little extra help, out of touch, so guests can just drive through the drive and stay in their cars.
Organizers said they have three upcoming giveaways through the mobile pantry slated for next week in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
“There is just as much demand in urban areas as there is in rural areas,” said Kim Brock, manager at Second Harvest Food Bank. “The challenge in rural areas is sometimes to find a place that meets the needs. In rural areas, people obviously have to travel a little further. “
Brock said organizers focused on those who live in the Sebring, Beloit, and Smith Township areas and knew they would see people from the nearby Alliance in Stark County as well.
“[We have] a large amount of products. We also have frozen meat for her and some shelf-stable items, ”she said. “That just shows you that there is a lot of need in the area.”
While the drivers waited in their cars, the guards worked against the chill and quickly filled their suitcases before sending them on their way when the next vehicle in line pulled up.
“I’m just amazed they can and grateful that they do,” said Ruth Guthrie, a Beloit resident.
“My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are pretty settled right now, so I have it for them,” said Paul Thomas, a member of the Sebring Congregation.
Sebring Village Mayor James Harp recognized Second Harvest Food Bank for its contribution and acknowledged a need in his and the surrounding communities.
