Muskingum County Hunger Network to Host Food Drive Friday

The Muskingum County Hunger Network is hosting a food drive to benefit Operation Feed Friday.

You can donate money or non-perishable items at both Wal-mart locations in Zanesville from noon until 6 p.m. All donations will benefit the 15 food pantries and four hot meal programs in the local area.

“Last year the 15 food pantries and four hot meal programs of the Muskingum County Hunger Network provided almost one million meals here in Muskingum County, 910,000 meals,” said Christ’s Table Executive Director Keely Warden. “So the food and the dollars that we generate Friday will go into the Muskingum County Hunger Network and that will be dispersed throughout this year to help stock the shelves of the food pantries and hot meal programs.”

Warden said the food and monetary donations provide meals for those in need and the places they gather to share a meal provides them with a sense of community and family.

“How you care for your mom and your dad and your children, that’s how we care for those that we serve and that’s the same for all of the food pantries and all the hot meal programs,” said Warden. “They’re not just people. We don’t even use the word clients. We don’t like that word, client. They’re our family so they’re people that live right next door to us in the community and it is our obligation to be there to help.”

Warden said they’re still in need of volunteers to help out Friday as well. If you’re interested in donating your time you can simply call Christ’s Table at (740) 452-9766.