PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A mobile food pantry has become a much-needed blessing for Pike County residents.
The program delivers food to areas instead of traditional programs that require people to travel to centralized food bank. The Guardian spoke with Pike County Community Action to learn more about the program.
Keith Pitts, Executive Director for Pike County Community Action told the Guardian that over 1,000 households in Pike County receive assistance from the program, monthly.
County officials say that Pike County has a poverty problem. According to the US Census Bureau, over 19% of residents are in poverty and struggle to put food on the table. That is 6% higher than the state of Ohio’s running average.
Pike County Community Action received funding for the program from the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) of the CARES Act. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) are administered by the federal government to provide funds for states to distribute to community agencies helping with poverty reduction.
One unique feature about the Mobile Food Pantry is that it also serves as a Mobile WiFi hotspot. Those who utilize the food pantry, or anyone who needs an internet connection, are welcome to use the WIFI, according to Community Action officials.
If you are interested in volunteering contact Pike County Community Action at 740-289-2375.
The mobile food pantry will be at the following locations. Pike Co. CAC said, the mobile unit does not run the first week of every month:
Wednesday’s from 10:30-3 p.m.
Beaver Fire House 1
7000 OH-335
Beaver, Ohio 45613
Thursday’s from 10:30-3 p.m.
Camp Creek Township Building
14 Spunk Run Road
Lucasville, Ohio 45648
Friday’s from 10:30-3 p.m.
Williams Hardware
13192 OH-124
Piketon, Ohio 45661