Hunger is a pressing issue that affects millions of people around the world, including right here in Wayne County. As we approach World Food Day on October 16, we highlight the commitment of Orrville Area United Way in combating food insecurity in our community. Hunger weakens the cornerstones of a good life: education, health, and economic mobility. At Orrville Area United Way, we LIVE UNITED to ensure that everyone has access to essential, affordable, and nutritious food.
In Wayne County, 11% of adults and 12.7% of children experience food insecurity. This means that 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 7 children in our community are at risk of going to bed hungry. Orrville Area United Way recognizes the urgency of this issue and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Orrville Area United Way financially supports and collaborates with local partner agencies to comprehensively address food insecurity in Dalton, Marshallville, and Orrville. These efforts include:
- Orrville Salvation Army Emergency Assistance: The Orrville Salvation Army plays a critical role in food assistance, with 79% of its emergency programming services dedicated to food assistance. In 2022, they served approximately 2,300 individuals, representing a 65% increase from the previous year. Each month, families and individuals can receive a food box, providing 4-5 days' worth of nourishment. Additionally, the collaboration with Buehler’s Orrville allows for online ordering of fresh produce and dairy, emphasizing the importance of nutritional options.
- Orrville Salvation Army Seasonal Assistance: During the holiday seasons, Orrville Salvation Army's Seasonal Assistance program distributed Christmas food boxes to approximately 554 individuals and Easter food baskets to around 243 individuals, ensuring that these celebratory times are enjoyed by all.
- Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club: The Boys & Girls Club provides breakfast and dinner to around 220 children daily, serving a total of 44,274 meals in 2022, ensuring that young minds are well-fed and ready to learn.
- Viola Startzman Clinic: The Viola Startzman Clinic addresses food insecurity's intersection with healthcare by providing food pharmacies in both the medical and dental centers, supplying patients with emergency food appropriate for their medical conditions.
- Orrville OHuddle: OHuddle provides quick grab snacks at school, holiday meals, front porch drops, and field trip dinners to mentees and their families, supporting and helping families to succeed.
Additionally, Orrville Area United Way is committed to bridging gaps in food accessibility through two of their Percy Programs, Friendship Meals and Percy's Backpack program.
- Friendship Meals: Friendship Meals distributes hot meals on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays of each month from Christ United Church of Christ. There are no restrictions or requirements, ensuring that anyone in need can access a nutritious meal. In 2022, 6,811 meals were distributed.
- Percy's Backpack Program: Recognizing that many children lack access to food on weekends, the Backpack Program provides students at Dalton and Orrville Schools with backpacks filled with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food every Friday during the school year. Administered in partnership with Orrville Salvation Army, this program packed 3,078 weekend food Backpacks in 2022, ensuring that children have food to sustain them over the weekend.
Orrville Area United Way's commitment to fighting hunger in our community is making a sincere impact. By collaborating with partner agencies, administering Percy Programs, and addressing the unique needs of individuals and families, Orrville Area United Way is actively working to close the gaps of food insecurity in Wayne County. Since 1958, Orrville Area United Way has raised and distributed over $17.5 million dollars to Eastern Wayne County programs that measurably improve quality of life by engaging the caring power of our community. As we recognize World Food Day on October 16, let us ensure that everyone in our community has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. To get involved, learn more about the work Orrville Area United Way is doing, or to financially support these efforts, call 330-683-8181 or stop in the office at 135 N. Main St, Orrville.