Tribune Chronicle
YOUNGSTOWN - A $17,000 check from the Governor's Office of Appalachia will help Second Harvest Food Bank with its food pantries.
Mike Iberis, executive director, said the center received ''exciting news'' of the community improvement grant, which will help those families who are struggling.
He said a mobile food pantry will get food to more people, noting that throughout Trumbull and Mahoning counties, 50 percent of the children are on free and reduced lunches.
''Many food pantries have seen increased needs for food. We could not do what we do without the help,'' he said.
Jason Wilson, director of Governor's Office of Appalachia, stressed the importance of good nutrition for families.
"These are programs we want to work with,'' he said.
Iberis said the community improvement grant will help purchase a truck and equipment for a mobile food pantry being launched by the food bank. The grant was through the State Appalachian Development Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development Office of Community Development.
"By supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank's mobile food pantry, we are making a a difference in the lives of many families and some of our most vulnerable residents,'' Wilson said.
Iberis said the mobile food pantry will reach residents who are without access to emergency food assistance.
''The grant will help ensure that as winter approaches, our friends and neighbors will not have to choose between heating their homes and providing food for their families," he said.
He said a refurbished box truck and equipment will be used for delivering of the food.