BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — The Butler County Commissioners allocated $100,000 for one of the largest food banks in the area so it can continue to serve families in need.
Shared Harvest Foodbank serves 90 food pantries across five counties, but 30 of those pantries are in Butler County.
Two of the main food-source programs for Shared Harvest were set to end at the end of 2020. However, with this new funding, they will be able to continue their work.
Shared Harvest often holds large-scale distribution events where they would serve about 200 families on average. In May, at the height of the pandemic, they would serve about 1,500 families at a time. That number has fallen in recent months, but officials with Shared Harvest are seeing those numbers climb yet again, so the money could not have come at a more critical time.
"Over this past month we're starting to see that climb again," Shared Harvest Executive Director Terry Perdue said. "It's upwards of around 800 and it seems to be growing."
The allocated funds are going to buy things liked canned goods, but officials estimate the money will last for only a month. Perdue said it will certainly help bridge the gap until more funding comes to the food bank in the new year.
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, call 513-881-9024 and someone with Shared Harvest will get you connected with available resources.
