West Ohio Food Bank Distribution Schedule 2024
The West Ohio Food Bank coordinates the largest food distribution network in the region, collecting, warehousing, and distributing essential food items. Monthly events in 2024 proved crucial for the community, offering fresh food and supplies to hundreds of residents. They served an average of 7,944 individuals.
Overview of 2024 Distributions
The year 2024 saw the West Ohio Food Bank conduct numerous crucial food distribution events, playing a vital role in addressing food insecurity within the region. These distributions were instrumental in providing access to fresh, healthy food and essential household supplies for many families and individuals. Throughout the year, the food bank organized regular monthly events, alongside several pop-up distributions, ensuring a consistent flow of aid to those in need. These efforts were carefully planned and executed to reach as many people as possible. The distributions were held at various locations across West Ohio to ensure maximum accessibility for the communities they serve. Partner agencies played a critical role by working with the food bank to extend the reach of these distributions. The collaboration made it possible to provide support to a wide network of individuals and families facing hardships. The West Ohio Food Bank’s commitment to its mission was evident in its meticulous planning and organization of all 2024 distributions.
Monthly Impact and Reach
The monthly food distribution events held by the West Ohio Food Bank in 2024 had a profound and consistent impact on the communities they served. These recurring distributions were not just one-time events, but rather a reliable source of support for many families facing food insecurity. Each month, the food bank reached a significant number of individuals, providing them with access to nutritious food and essential household supplies. The consistent nature of these monthly distributions meant that people could rely on a predictable source of assistance, which helped to bring stability to their lives. The impact extended beyond simply providing food; these events also offered a sense of community and support. The reach of these distributions was extensive, with various locations across the region being utilized to ensure that people in different areas had easy access to the services. The food bank partnered with various agencies to ensure that its reach was as wide as possible, maximizing the number of people who could benefit from the monthly distributions. This collaborative approach ensured that the food reached those who needed it most.
Average Individuals Served and Meals Distributed
In 2024, the West Ohio Food Bank’s distribution efforts demonstrated a significant commitment to addressing food insecurity within the region. On average, each distribution event served approximately 7,944 individuals, which highlights the substantial need within the community and the Food Bank’s capability to meet it. This average figure illustrates the consistent demand for food assistance and the scale of the organization’s operations. The Food Bank didn’t just distribute food, they ensured that each person received enough to make a meaningful impact on their daily lives. In total, through these distributions, the West Ohio Food Bank provided an astounding 226,884 meals to individuals in need. This number underscores the vastness of the Food Bank’s reach and its critical role in supporting the community; The sheer volume of meals distributed is a clear indication of the level of hunger and food insecurity that exists, and the essential role that the West Ohio Food Bank plays in bridging this gap. These numbers also reflect the organization’s effectiveness in sourcing and distributing food efficiently, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most.
Text Alert System for Updates
To ensure that the community stays well-informed about upcoming food distribution events and any potential pop-up opportunities, the West Ohio Food Bank has implemented a text alert system. This system is designed to provide direct and timely notifications to individuals who have signed up for the service. By using this text alert system, the Food Bank aims to overcome the challenges of communicating distribution schedules through traditional means, such as flyers or website updates, which may not reach everyone in need. The text alerts provide a more direct and immediate way for individuals to receive the information directly on their cell phones. This is especially crucial for those who may have limited access to internet or other communication technologies. By sending text messages, the Food Bank is able to quickly notify the community of any schedule changes, location updates, or other important information. This system is a proactive approach to ensuring that those who need assistance are aware of when and where they can receive it. The Food Bank’s aim is to keep everyone in the loop about these important distribution events.
How to Sign Up for Mobile Alerts
Signing up for the West Ohio Food Bank’s mobile alert system is a straightforward process designed to be user-friendly and accessible to everyone. To begin receiving updates about upcoming food distributions and other important notifications, individuals simply need to send a text message using their mobile phone. The keyword to use when sending a text is “WESTOHIOFOODBANK”. This keyword should be sent to the designated phone number, which is 419-757-4981. Once you’ve sent the text message with the correct keyword, you will be automatically added to the distribution list for mobile alerts. You will begin receiving text messages from the West Ohio Food Bank with updates about future distribution events, any changes in schedule, or any other important information related to the food bank’s services. It’s important to ensure that you send the keyword to the correct number to ensure you successfully opt in to the mobile alert system. This system ensures that you’re informed on all upcoming distributions, so you do not miss out on essential assistance.
Specific Distribution Dates in April 2024
In April 2024, the West Ohio Food Bank scheduled specific dates for their food distributions to ensure that community members had reliable access to necessary resources. The distributions were held at designated times, allowing individuals and families to plan accordingly. The first of these April distributions took place on April 15th, 2024, with operations running from 10⁚00 a.m. to 2⁚00 p.m. This provided a four-hour window for community members to come and receive assistance. Following this, another distribution was held on April 22nd, 2024. This second distribution of April had a slightly shorter duration, running from 10⁚00 a.m. to 1⁚00 p.m. These specific dates and times were set to maximize accessibility and to ensure that as many people as possible were able to benefit from the food distribution services. Anyone in need was able to sign up for one of these distributions, either through the food bank’s website at wofb.org, or by calling their phone number at 419-222-7946.
January 2024 Distribution Postponement
The West Ohio Food Bank experienced a necessary postponement of its scheduled food distribution in January 2024. This postponement was directly related to the severe weather conditions that impacted the region during that time. The initial distribution was planned for January 20th, but due to extremely cold temperatures and hazardous conditions, it was deemed unsafe to proceed as scheduled. The decision to postpone was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the volunteers and the community members who were planning to attend. The food bank leadership recognized that the weather posed significant risks that could potentially compromise the event. As a result, the scheduled distribution was moved to a later date to ensure that everyone could participate in a safe and comfortable environment. The new distribution date was set for January 27th, providing a week of buffer time to allow for the weather to improve and conditions to normalize.
Reason for Postponement
The primary reason for the postponement of the West Ohio Food Bank’s January 2024 food distribution was the exceptionally cold weather conditions that gripped the area. The region experienced a significant drop in temperatures, creating hazardous conditions for travel and outdoor activities. The extreme cold posed a direct risk to the safety and health of both the volunteers and the community members who were expected to attend the distribution. The risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses was a major concern, prompting the food bank to take immediate action. Furthermore, the icy conditions on roads and walkways made transportation difficult and dangerous, especially for those with limited mobility. Given these circumstances, the leadership at the West Ohio Food Bank determined that it was not responsible or safe to proceed with the scheduled distribution. The decision to postpone was made out of concern for the well-being of everyone involved, ensuring that the event could take place when conditions were much safer.
Distribution Locations and Times
The West Ohio Food Bank organizes distributions at various locations throughout the region to maximize accessibility for those in need. Specific locations and times vary depending on the month and the community being served. For instance, the food bank holds distributions at its main facility located at 1380 East Kibby Street in Lima, Ohio. In addition to the main location, the food bank collaborates with numerous partner agencies, including churches and community centers to extend its reach. These partner sites host distributions at different times, often during the day and sometimes in the evening to accommodate different schedules. Some distributions, for example, were held at locations like the Art Wright Stadium in Wadsworth and Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick. Distribution times can range from morning hours, like 9 AM to 10 AM, to afternoon and early evening, such as 2 PM to 6 PM. To find the most up-to-date information on distribution locations and times, individuals can consult the West Ohio Food Bank’s official calendar or sign up for text alerts.
West Ohio Food Bank’s Role in Food Distribution
The West Ohio Food Bank serves as the central hub for food distribution in the western part of Ohio. It is the largest system of its kind in the area, dedicated to coordinating, collecting, and warehousing food before distributing it to those in need. The food bank’s role is multifaceted, involving not just the physical handling of food, but also the strategic planning and logistical management required to serve a wide region effectively. The organization works to obtain donations from various sources, including food manufacturers, grocery stores, and government programs. These donations are then carefully stored and sorted at the food bank’s facility in Lima. The West Ohio Food Bank also provides support and resources to a network of partner agencies, which are crucial for the distribution of food to local communities; Through these partnerships, they ensure that food reaches individuals and families who may not have access to traditional grocery stores or other food assistance programs. Additionally, they focus on providing nutritious foods, supporting overall health and well-being.
Partner Agencies and Their Importance
Partner agencies are vital to the West Ohio Food Bank’s mission, serving as the crucial link between the food bank and the communities it serves. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, senior centers, and various other organizations that directly provide emergency food assistance to individuals and families in need. The collaboration with these diverse groups allows the food bank to extend its reach and ensure that food is distributed efficiently and effectively across a wide geographical area. Partner agencies are not just distribution points; they are essential community anchors that understand the specific needs of their local populations. They often provide additional services beyond food distribution, such as counseling, job training, and other social support programs. These partnerships enable the West Ohio Food Bank to leverage local knowledge and resources, making it possible to address food insecurity in a more comprehensive and personalized way. The agencies are fundamental to the food bank’s ability to make a substantial impact on food insecurity throughout West Ohio, helping to get essential resources to those who need them most.