United Way Food Drive

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Several local organizations were busy volunteering today at the United Way of Muskingum Perry and Morgan Counties by packing 400 food boxes for area healthcare providers and a college campus to distribute at their facilities.

United Way of MPM Community Impact Manager Katie Grubbs and Operations Volunteer Coordinator Sabrina Barr explained how the operation came to be and the manpower involved in making it work.

“When talking with healthcare facilities, they were noticing people were coming and they were hungry. And they were sending them to food pantries and we have amazing food pantries but it’s just one more stop. So we were really excited to meet people where their needs were,” Grubbs said. “We start with reaching out to the local grocer, Kroger,” Barr added. “And then we went and we had volunteers meet me there today and you know pick up all the items and load them. And then we’re unloading it.”

The bulk items were broken down and combined with other items to make the finished boxes before being sorted and reloaded for transport. Columbia Gas of Ohio’s parent company NiSource presented a check that made today’s event possible.   

“At NiSource, Columbia Gas, we are always looking for opportunities to better partner with the communities that we serve. One of our top priorities is safety and to ensure that our customers in the communities that we serve are safe and supported. So through our NiSource Charitable Foundation, we are able to support organizations that support basic needs. And right now with everything going on, there are a lot of people who are feeling food insecure. And looking for opportunities and programs to better support them and their families,” NiSource Public Affairs Manager Raquel Colon said.

Many residents can dial 211 to access local food pantries or (740) 454-6872. Columbia Gas customers can visit columbiagasohio.com or call 1-800-344-4077 to learn more about financial assistance programs that are available.