Hunger Action Month

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – September is National Hunger Action Month and an Ohio corporation is assisting area food banks in their fight to prevent hunger.

Columbia Gas of Ohio Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Merkle says her company is working with food banks across the state because they believe food insecurity is a basic need.

“I think we are working with seven different charities throughout the state of Ohio right now,” Merkle said. “And it’s really important for us to be able to meet our customers’ needs throughout the state. This is an opportunity for us to be able to support our customers and really our team members throughout the state and show up in the communities that are important to them. And so we’re really proud of the organizations that we’re supporting.”

Locally, Columbia Gas of Ohio works with Mid-Ohio Food Collective and provided volunteers along with basic hygiene kits to SE Ohio Foodbank to assist the Perry County flood victims. In addition to the charitable support, Columbia also provides financial assistance to customers having trouble budgeting around extreme winter weather.     

“So one thing I was excited to see in our team is that we have customer assistance and energy assistance programs,” Merkle said. “Before I worked for the company, I didn’t know that these programs existed in a formal way. And we have a number of resources that are available to customers who need support. You can go to our website at any time, you can call us for support [at 1-800-344-4077]. We can’t help with an issue if we don’t know about it. So the number one thing we ask our customers to do is call us when they’re having an issue and we will find a way to make sure that you have support.”

Merkle says she’s proud of the partnerships her company has built with the community nonprofits because they communicate the local needs and explain how Columbia can assist.