SUMMERS COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – REACHH Family Resource Center is extending a hand to the hungry with the grand re-opening of Jo Ann’s Place Food Pantry.
West Virginia’s food insecurity rate is 34% higher than the national average, leaving hundreds of thousands of West Virginians, including many children, struggling with hunger.
“Our pantry is point-based, so the clients get to come in and shop, depending on how many members they have in their family,” said Director Nikki Gill.
Food insecurity is a significant Summers County issue. So Jo Ann’s Food Pantry does its best to ensure all those needs are being met.
“We’re working to gather funding so we’ll be able to serve members of the community who don’t quite fall under those guidelines covered by our current grants,” Gill said. “But right now, it’s just families with children under the age of 18.”
It all started with 20 weekly bags of groceries in Joann Miller’s office, then 40 bags, and finally, “We don’t have enough room, what are we going to do?” said Miller, which inspired her to create the food pantry.
“The food was so heavy our floor sagged. So we had to move it back here to the cottage, which was also having sagging floors,” the retired Reachh starting points director added. “But we persevered. We got it done.”
They have frozen meat, including one-pound rolls of hamburger and chicken.
“We have fresh produce in our coolers right now and a lot of canned goods,” Gill said. “We try to make sure they can leave there with something they can provide and prepare a meal with.”
This is one of the greatest community needs that hasn’t been met.
“It’s hard for people, you know, food’s getting more and more expensive every day,” said Gill. “Being able to provide that security for these people means a lot to us.”
According to Miller, it will get worse before it gets better.
“This place will always be my heart. I spent almost 30 years here,” the retired Reachh starting points director said, adding that they helped those in need by offering other services, in addition to the food pantry.
“I’m happy to be back and see everybody,” she said. “And so proud of the way they’ve improved things since I left.”
IF YOU WANT TO GO
REACHH Family Resource and Child Advocacy Center
Jo Ann’s Place Food Pantry
411 Temple Street, Hinton
304-466-2226
