Local Pantries & Community Unite to Make a Difference

The Muskingum County Hunger network is hoping to make a difference in our community this weekend.

National "Make a Difference Day" is this Saturday, and Muskingum County’s 15 food pantries are coming together for a food drive. As hunger remains a leading issue in the county, the different pantries will be set up at locations all across the area accepting food donations.

"We are hoping that our pantries and hot meal programs can go back Saturday and help stock those shelves that are really empty this time of year, we’re really hoping that we can bless that food with lots of blessings," said Keely Warden, Executive Director at Christ’s Table.

From 10 a.m. until 2, volunteers will be collecting food at Sam’s Club, Walmart south, and Reisbecks in downtown Zanesville. Those interested in giving back will be given a list of items, the pantries are asking for anything from canned goods to baby food.

"We will have a handy dandy shopping list for the customers as they walk in, but we’re looking for fruits, and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, Ramen noodles, tuna…those types of things that we can stock the pantry shelves with that can go back to families in Muskingum county," Warden said.

Following the drive, all donations will be delivered to the Salvation Army and then distributed to the pantries.