Scio food pantry distributes $5,000 in turkeys at November event

The Scio Community Food Pantry donated $5,000 worth of turkeys during its November distribution. More than 120 families from Bowerston, Jewett and Scio received a turkey and enough food for three days, in accordance with Mid-Ohio Foodbank regulations. Four freezers of meat were emptied, along with many cases of canned goods and personal care items.

Food pantry officials said there has been an uptick in clients visiting all area pantries, creating hardships for many families. Scio Community Food Pantry saw a 50% increase in clients from October to November.

Organizers expressed appreciation for individuals, organizations and churches that provide monetary donations, along with local businesses such as Dollar General and Riesbeck’s for their weekly donations to the pantry’s Thursday pop-up distribution.

The pantry is operated by a dedicated group of volunteers who handle ordering, delivering, stocking shelves, packing boxes and distributing food each month. Volunteers say the smiles, hugs and thank-yous from clients are their greatest reward.

Those wishing to help support the program may send monetary donations to Scio United Methodist Church, Box 554, Scio, OH 43988. Donations should include “Food Pantry” on the memo line. The pantry operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, making contributions tax deductible.