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National Guard lends a hand

More meals to head into Valley homes

YOUNGSTOWN — National Guard men and women will sort and package food for the next month at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

Capt. Lauren Meyer confirmed 20 personnel from the Ohio Army National Guard are stationed at the food bank warehouse to prepare food for those in need. The demand is growing as businesses suspend operations, leaving many out of work during the coronavirus pandemic.

None of the guardsmen and women, about half of whom are from the Mahoning Valley, carry weapons.

Provided with masks and gloves as a precaution, the volunteers will not be going into homes to deliver food — or for any other reason, Meyer said.

“There is no martial law being invoked in the state of Ohio. We are just here to deliver hope and groceries,” she stressed.

One local guardsman, Sgt. 1st Class Sam Wolford, said the ability to volunteer close to home is “a tremendous opportunity.”

Originally from Cortland, Wolford is stationed at the Austintown guard base.

He said that for many guard members, being able to help communities during trying times is “emotional” because they see the difference they make, and also see gratitude from the communities.

“It’s a wonderful feeling just to be involved and being able to help people,” Wolford said.

‘TREMENDOUS BLESSING’

These guard members are willing to drive an hour to help the Mahoning Valley — and Wolford said he “couldn’t be more proud.”

Guard members gathered in a group on Sunday to discuss plans for the mission at the food bank.

“To be able to serve our community and have a local impact… I couldn’t thank them enough,” Wolford said.

Meyer is from the Akron area.

“It really is an honor and a privilege” to help local communities, she said, adding, “It’s a sense of pride.”

Mike Iberis, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, said the guard will help collect and distribute food to the 160-some agencies supported by the food bank.

“To have this many volunteers, extra volunteers on the ground; it’s been a tremendous blessing,” Iberis said.

As a result of the added manpower, production has increased “many times over” he stated. “It’s been a real asset to us to have the Guard here.”

The additional hands helping to pack the food, including fresh produce, come at a time when the demand for food assistance has increased over the last couple of weeks, Iberis said.

Last year, the food bank distributed 11.5 million pounds of food in the tri-county area, including more than 3.4 million pounds of fresh produce.

PANDEMIC IMPACT

This year, the pandemic will likely affect how many pounds of food are sent out through the warehouse.

Iberis said just last week, a 30 percent increase was recorded in the amount of food that agencies were ordering. This week, it looks as if another increase will be recorded, Iberis said, although he added it is difficult to gauge today.

One pantry called the food bank and reported that three times the number of people requested assistance as normal, Iberis said.

“With all of the layoffs … A lot of those folks are realizing they should be going to a pantry,” Iberis said. “They rely on that paycheck every week in order to make ends meet.”

Until then, those displaced workers can go to a nearby pantry to help lessen the burden of wondering where the next meal will come from.

Iberis said anyone in need of food assistance should call 2-1-1. From there, callers will provide their ZIP code — which will help the operator determine the closest food pantry.

During a time in need, Iberis said the food bank would be unable to do the work it does without the agencies that it assists. “They are absolutely an incredible asset to our entire community,” he said.

The food bank is soliciting monetary donations, Iberis said

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