The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced how pervasive food insecurity is in our communities, including in Meigs County. One of the best ways to address this need is by meeting families where they spend the most time. Inspired by a school-based food distribution program in Athens City Schools, the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund, an initiative of the Meigs County Foundation (MCF), has gathered community members across organizations and school districts to come together to address this pressing need experienced by Meigs County families.
“It is amazing to me how quickly this project has developed,” said Laura Sheets, an MCF committee member and chair of the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund subcommittee. “It is so wonderful that everyone involved cares deeply about helping our school children and their families.”
The pantry makes distributions on the third Thursday of every month on a first-come, first-served basis. The pantry is able to serve 150 families at the present time. Proof of Meigs County residency is required for service.
The Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund was created in 2021 as an initiative of the MCF through a partnership between MCF and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund.
The Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund provides a monthly, year-round distribution of healthy and nutritious food to school-aged children and their families. Foods distributed include fresh eggs, milk, bread and other healthy shelf-stable pantry items.
How it started and is being sustained
The fund was originally developed to serve the Meigs County community as a result of the impact of COVID-19. A large percentage of Eastern, Southern, Meigs and Alexander Local students receive free and reduced-price lunch.
In addition to funding provided by MCF and the I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, additional funding was provided by the Sisters Health Foundation and many individual donors to support start-up costs, including shelving, a commercial refrigerator and freezer, and food for distribution. Monthly donations of food are being made to the fund by Snowville Creamery and Heiner’s Bakery of Athens. Powell’s Food Fair and Walmart of Athens also help to support the pantry. Scot Gheen, superintendent of the Meigs Local School District, and John Hood, Commander of American Legion Post 0039, have also provided valuable support for the program by providing space for the pantry and many other services.
Members of the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund subcommittee include:
- Robin Burrow, K-4 principal, Eastern Local School District
- Tricia McNickle, Pre K-6 principal, Southern Local School District
- Chrissy Musser, food service director, Meigs Local School District
- Barbara Musser, member of MCF
- Paul Reed, member of MCF
- Laura Sheets, subcommittee chair and member of MCF
Anyone interesting in volunteering or helping with the food pantry should contact one of these members or the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio at 740.753.1111 or info@ffao.org.
Support the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund
Gifts to the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.
To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
Donations can be made online by designating the Meigs County Schools Food Pantry Fund when donating.