Prepping for Thanksgiving

HURON TWP. — With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio assisted Erie County residents on Tuesday. The nonprofit, which is committed to fighting hunger, served more than 400 families through its annual Thanksgiving drive-thru mobile pantry at BGSU Firelands. Vehicles lined up as volunteers filled the trunks with food. "At BGSU Firelands, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back, especially during this season of gratitude," said dean Allia Carter. "We are honored to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank and our dedicated community volunteers to ensure that everyone in need can access the drive-thru mobile pantry this Thanksgiving. This collaboration is a testament to our unity, shared humanity and commitment to supporting one another." Residents took home approximately 50 pounds of food to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner to feed the whole family. That included a turkey, apples, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin and corn muffin mix. Families had to qualify and register before the event to receive the dinner kits. Second Harvest serves about 6,800 households within Erie County each month through direct distribution or through its partner charities at panties, hot meal programs and shelters. About one in seven people in the county are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient amount of affordable, nutritious food. Last year, Second Harvest saw an increase in people seeking help at local food pantries, so the nonprofit expanded its Thanksgiving distribution to reach more families, said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest. "Food shouldn't be out of reach for anyone in our community, especially a holiday meal that holds traditions and memories for families," she added. The nonprofit hopes to distribute 3,850 Thanksgiving food packages among Erie, Huron, Lorain and Crawford counties this year. Registration for the distribution in Huron County on Nov. 19 is closed, but there is a waitlist for residents. Visit secondharvestfoodbank.org for more information.