Pantry provides help

SANDUSKY — An event aims to live up to its name by addressing issues many locals face. Each month, several area agencies come together to put on what's known as the Live Well pop-up food pantry and fresh market event. The event debuted in 2023 initially due to a state grant. And now a local grant provided by the Wightman-Wieber Charitable Foundation ensures this event can continue through, at least, 2026. Officials — those representing the Erie County Health Department, Erie County Job and Family Services, Ohio Means Jobs and OHgo — collaborate on this initiative. They also educate people on nutritional information, community resources and potential job opportunities. And these events occur just outside the front entrance to job and family services on West Parish Street in Sandusky. It's near the post office. Many income-eligible residents can stop by and receive food when visiting this office for a number of reasons. "It's a one-stop shop," said Angelina Cambarare, a public health educator for the health department, who oversees this event. Among the food items eligible participants can receive at no cost are non-perishables and fresh produce. "We do this to support the overall health of the community," Cambarare said. "If people are provided with foods, especially fresh produce, it can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve their overall quality of life." Cambarare wants to expand the program, setting up additional locations to help even more people. To do that, grant funds would be necessary. "That is our goal," she said. By the numbers Here are a few statistics to show the starkness of food insecurity, defined as "the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food" at the federal, state and local levels as of late 2023. There are: • More than 33.8 million Americans who live in households that struggle with food insecurity and lack access to an affordable, nutritious diet • About 1.35 million food-insecure people in Ohio • Roughly 10,000 people in Erie County are food-insecure, which translates to 13% of the total population. And about 11% of those in Erie County live in poverty. Source: OHgo, U.S. Census Bureau, Google Want to go? • What: Live Well, a pop-up food pantry and fresh market with nutritional education • Where: Erie County Job and Family Services, 221 W. Parish St., Sandusky • When: The event occurs from 11 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last, on a monthly basis, typically on the month's fourth Tuesday. Upcoming events are scheduled for May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 • Who: Those who meet income eligibility requirements can participate. People can contact the Erie County Health Department at 419-626-5623, ext. 5143, for more information.