September is Hunger Action Month

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – As of September 11, 2017 the Muskingum County Commissioners recognized the month of September as Hunger Action Month in Muskingum County.

According to the Muskingum County Proclamation the Mid-Ohio Foodbank distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food to Muskingum County in 2016 through the Muskingum County Hunger Network. President Tom Cover is happy to be honored for their hard work.

“It’s humbling and it’s also an honor for them to recognize us as a local group that’s helping others in our community who are in real need of food,” said Cover.

The Muskingum County Hunger Network is made up of 15 food pantries, 4 hot meal programs, and one special needs program.

“We’re different pantries that will help people in need and if they are in need of food the one thing they can do is dial 211,” Cover said. “Just like if you would call 911 in an emergency, you just call 211 and they will take your information and see if they’re eligible for food.

The 211 serves is provided by United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties. If a family is eligible for food they’ll be assigned a pantry closest to their house to get food.

According to the proclamation more than 525,000 individuals in Ohio including 183,750 children, and 89,250 senior citizens rely on the Mid-Ohio foodbank. Mid-Ohio Foodbank as well as other food banks will promote events and focus on hunger awareness through out September.