“Things have stabilized quite a bit since the start of the pandemic, but it’s still an elevated need when we compare to how we were doing prior to both the tornadoes and pandemic events,” she said.
Tappel said at the last mass Foodbank distribution at the Dixie Drive-In in June, they served around 515 families, about 300 of which had never been to a mass food drive before. The Foodbank expected at least 500 families to be served on Tuesday.
She said there is also high need in the Harrison Twp. area since the 2019 tornadoes, which hit that area hard. The pandemic was a second hit.
At the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, she said the Foodbank would see around 750 families at its weekly distributions. Now, it’s between 150 to 200 families.
The Foodbank partnered with CareSource and Dayton Children’s Hospital volunteers for the event. COVID-19 vaccinations were also available for free at the site.
The boxes were loaded with chicken, fresh produce, bananas, corn, grain and dry goods. People popped the trucks of their cars or opened the side doors so volunteers could stack boxes inside.
Virginia Fitzpatrick was one of the people in line waiting for a box of food. She said she has several neighbors who are elderly or who don’t drive.
“I know a lot of people who need food, so I share with neighbors who can’t get out,” she said.
While there were several families in the line of people waiting for food distribution, there were also many people with handicapped signs as well as elderly people.
Tappel noted that there are everyday problems that could impact a family’s food budget, such as daycare, electric bills higher than normal due to the summer heat, back-to-school expenses or medical bills.
“Any individual or family that lives on a fixed income can face impossible choices between paying for rent, utilities, medications, or other necessities and paying for food,” she said.
How to volunteer
Volunteers are still needed for future events. To donate or volunteer, go to https://thefoodbankdayton.org/.
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