Eastside Community Ministry to Host Monthly Drive-Thru Food Giveaways

ZANESVILLE, OH – A local ministry is helping put food on the table, one drive-thru at a time.

Eastside Community Ministry is teaming up with the Hunger Network to host upcoming drive-thru food giveaways for low-income households in Muskingum County. The next giveaway is set for Tuesday, April 7th. Registration is required ahead of time by calling (740) 452-7519 after 9 a.m. on April 6th.

“Our partnership with the Hunger Network allows Christ’s Table to go six days a week to the local stores to pick up items and bring them right here to us. We unload the truck with some volunteers, we pack all of the boxes, and then people just drive up, and we load them in their car.” ECM Executive Director, Jamie Trout said.

Pick-up for the giveaways will take place at Eastside Community Ministry at 221 Stillwell Street. Organizers say families can only sign up for one giveaway per month, as this program is meant to serve as an extra resource alongside local food pantries.

“We rescue a lot of food that would otherwise be wasted, and we get them in the hands of people that are really in need. We get items from bread, desserts, and meat, which really helps our food pantry and the people that we’re serving. Having meat on hand is something that is really important. It’s pretty expensive so it’s hard for us to buy that. Having the stores donate it really is helpful. We also have vegetables, fruits, and snacks for kids. It’s just really helpful for the people we’re serving. We see a lot of senior citizens take advantage of this program as well.” Trout said.

Organizers say they plan to hold one to two giveaways each month. Future giveaway dates will be posted on Eastside Community Ministry’s social media and website. You can also find more food resources at FreshTrak or by calling 211.

Eastside Community Ministry – Zanesville Ohio – Muskingum County