Summary: The Wooster Hope Center hosted their third food distribution at the Wayne County Fairgrounds on July 9. The food was provided by the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, who has determined a need in Wayne County. The distribution also featured a nutritionist to help with recipes for the food, and a social service fair.
Collaboration between the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank and the Wooster Hope Center resulted in the third food distribution on July 9. They were able to offer an assortment of fruits, vegetables, drinks, and much more to community members in need. The Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank provided 20,000 pounds of food, and the distribution was held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
The Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank reported that of the 113,828 people living in Wayne County, 17,310 of them are considered food insecure, meaning that they lack access to healthy and acceptable food.
Through their research, they have determined that Wayne County is in the need of food, Emily Frazier, community coordinator for the WHC explained. They approached us about getting involved with the distribution.
Despite the heat, approximately 75 volunteers gathered in support of the cause, and they reached about 275 individuals.
The goal of our monthly food distribution and social service fair is to provide groceries, free haircuts and offer assistance with social, employment and even some medical needs. We have recently added an employment piece and a nutritional piece and we have a few organizations that we are talking with to provide blood pressure exams. We are also working on having a mobile benefit bank at our August distribution. The monthly social service fair is an innovative concept that is becoming necessary in these times of federal, state and local budget cuts, explained Richard Frazier, director of the WHC.
The social service fair was a special addition to the food distribution, providing a more holistic experience for those who stopped by. Wooster Staffing, Wayne County Child Support, and People to People Ministries are a few agencies that participated.
Everybodys in one place, its a central location. Agencies can come in and give their information to people who are in need, Emily Frazier continued. Its a good opportunity to reach a lot of people in a short period of time.
Any interested nonprofit agencies, churches or organizations, can contact Emily at whc.efrazier@yahoo.com. The next food distribution is Saturday, August 13.
The Wooster Hope Center does not just hand out 15,000-20,000 pounds of food each month, we also give every agency, organization and church that offers a free service and cares about the community an opportunity to hand out their information to the people that need the information at no cost, except for a few hours of their time, Richard Frazier said.
Emily Frazier added that its also important that they establish rapport and a connection with those that come through the line, making it more important that agencies and churches send a representative to the distribution, not just brochures or pamphlets.
We dont have a lot of people that come through who are complaining. Theyre coming through with smiles, and theyre thankful and grateful. Its like, if youre really in need, youre willing to wait. I think thats one of the things that Im amazed about each month; the vast majority are patient and theyre willing to smile and have a conversation with you. They want to be treated like people, Emily Frazier said.
Additionally, there were hot dogs cooked over the grill for those waiting in line. Joe Rubino, community outreach minister for Parkview Christian Church, volunteered both the food and the service. A nutritionist was on-hand to provide recipes for the food that was available. In order to be eligible for the food, community members had to present a photo ID and sign a self declaration form, stating that they are within the poverty guidelines, which is 200 percent of the poverty level.
I do not just care because I'm a director of a local organization in Wayne County. This is the county that I live and have lived in practically all my life. These are my people and I want to help make a difference in their lives, Richard Frazier concluded.
