While picking up a meal Friday from Our Daily Bread manager Evelyn Allen, Adam Hook of Bellefontaine said the food has been much appreciated by his family this week while his children are off school.
“That helps us out a lot,” he said, relating that his children are in grades 7, 9 and 12. “These have been difficult and uncertain times lately, but coming here is always a relief for our family.”
Jessica Anderson also stopped by Friday with her daughters, Brooklyn Brown, 7, and Serenity Brown, 4.
Her girls were eager to see Our Daily Bread employees, including Allen and her husband, Tony Little.
“The kids always get so excited about coming here,” Anderson said. “They are treated so nicely by the staff, who know them by name. The meals are wonderful and very tasty.”
Allen related that Friday’s hot meal included turkey “hot shots,” salad with dressing, fruit cobbler, a cookie and milk.
“Even during this time when we can’t have our meals served here at the site, we want to make sure that people are still fed,” she said. “We want to make sure that the kids are still getting their lunches, too.”
Next week, the manager said Our Daily Bread will be open for student lunches from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while Bellefontaine Schools has its previously scheduled spring break.
The charitable organization actively seeks food donations to help pack lunches for local residents.
As long as the emergency declaration is in place, and as long as there are food supplies to offer lunches, meals will be provided, Our Daily Bread representatives said. Single serve pantry items such as vegetables, fruits, and pastries such as Pop-Tarts are particular items of need.
While individuals picking up hot meals Friday were grateful for the homemade food prepared with care, volunteers and sisters Karen Elliott and Charlotte Dyer said they are also blessed by giving back at the food pantry.
“Our 86-year-old mother has been a longtime volunteer here, and while she couldn’t be here today because she’s recovering at home following a recent hospital stay, we’ve been inspired by her to want to be regular volunteers as well,” Elliott said of her mother, Betty Wilcoxon.
Anyone willing to donate food supplies should call (937) 592-6325 to set up an appointment.