Father's Heart shows love to community

Editor's note: Pastor Tony Robinson, of Father's Heart Family Church, oversees the nonprofit's food pantry, known as Father's Heart Food Outreach, a leading organization in feeding underserved and lesser-fortunate locals in Erie County. As uncertainty still looms regarding a federally funded food assistance program, he underscored his organization's mission and drive to continue serving people. SANDUSKY — For 25 years, Father's Heart Food Outreach has been a vital lifeline in Erie County, combating food insecurity and making a profound impact on the lives of our neighbours. Each year, we distribute more than 470,000 pounds of food and essentials to 20,000-plus residents, including families, seniors and children in need. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local groups, including Sandusky's government, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, 100+ Women Who Care of Erie County, the Mylander Foundation, Firelands Vending, The Chapel and the Erie County Community Foundation as well as our wonderful anonymous donors, we are able to reach even more people. We are deeply grateful to these visionary partners whose compassion fuels our mission. To continue providing fresh fruits and vegetables at 7:30 a.m. every Friday at our location on Mills Street as well as food boxes on the last Sunday of the month filled with canned goods, fresh meat and non-perishable staples, we depend on the generosity of our community partners. Their support is crucial in keeping this lifeline open for those who need it most. Through our partnership with the city of Sandusky, we now support more than 160 seniors at Viewpoint and Harborview apartments each month, delivering essential items such as milk, butter, fresh vegetables and fruit. Many of these seniors are unable to afford basic necessities on their own. As the holidays approach, the need for food assistance becomes urgent for many families and seniors. Overseen by outreach director Danielle Vice, we aim to provide 1,000 holiday boxes this season with Thanksgiving and Christmas meal items in addition to our regular monthly food boxes and frozen staples. But shortages have made securing enough staple items more challenging, intensifying the immediate need for support. The demand is real and urgent with a community of nearly 74,000 residents, a 15.5% rate of food insecurity and 13.7% of the population relying on SNAP, shorthand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Our pantry operates solely on donations, local grants and the support of volunteers, including our directors. Your support can make a lasting difference. Please help sustain our work through 2025 and 2026. Donations, cash or check, may be sent to: • Father's Heart Food Outreach • 2211 Mills St. • Sandusky, OH 44870 We deeply appreciate your generosity.