RANDOLPH — The second annual “Walk for Food” sponsored by The Southwest Portage County Ministerial Society was held recently in Randolph.
A total of 65 walkers participated, representing St. Joseph Church in Randolph, First Congregational Church of Rootstown, Randolph United Methodist Church, Community Bible Church in Rootstown and Rootstown United Methodist Church.
The walk supported local hunger relief efforts to benefit the Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard in Ravenna and the Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf in Randolph.
The walk began at St. Joseph, where participants walked 3.2 miles in the surrounding area. Prior to the walk, participants gathered pledges and contributions, which totaled $3,963.
“The money is donated by people in the community and stays locally. One hundred percent of the proceeds, minus a few minor bills, is given right back to the community,” said Tim Smith, chairman.
“Considering that many people are out of work or do not have extra finances, we are thrilled with the amount pledged this year” stated the Rev. Ed Wieczorek, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Randolph.
The Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard, at at 1034 W. Main St. in Ravenna, provides hot meals and food pantry assistance. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves hot meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The food pantry is open Monday through Friday by appointment. The Christian Cupboard helps families in all areas of Portage County to meet their basic needs for food and personal care items. The center also distributes Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.
The Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard is a United Way-funded program through Portage County Family and Community Services.
The center is accepting both monetary donations and non-perishable food items. It serves about 125 to 150 meals daily.
The Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf, located at St. Joseph Parish, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, serves the residents of southwest Portage County and is one of seven food shelves in three townships. It is funded by United Way and assisted through its First Call for Help program. The food shelf is open five days per week on Mondays and Thursdays, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. by appointment.
The food shelf is staffed by 35-45 volunteers and no funding is used for administrative costs; most overhead is donated by area businesses.
The food shelf serves about 25 township-area families per week.
Those in need of service from any food pantry in Portage County may call First Call for Help at 2-1-1. They will then be directed to a food pantry based on their location in Portage County.
Tax-deductible donation may be made by calling Food Shelf directors Gary Harrison at 330-325-7466 or Gary Magno at 330-325-4099 or the Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard at 330-297-5454.