Mobile market helping with need for fresh food

• Mid-Ohio Foodbank provides food for programs at Canal Lewisville UMC, senior center at Upper Room Church
• Canal Lewisville program serves about 200 families and has 40 volunteers
• Food distributed at Canal Lewisville from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month
• Available is fresh baked goods and produce; such as cabbages, eggs, corn, potatoes and onions

CANAL LEWISVILLE – Providing fresh foods to those who can’t buy it themselves is the goal of a mobile marketplace at Canal Lewisville United Methodist Church. 

From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month about 40 volunteers help some 200 families to collect fresh produce and baked goods provided by the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. The market is held in the parking lot of the church when the weather is nice and at Three Rivers Fire Station across from the church on U.S. 36 during winter months. 

Foodbank programs are also available at the Coshocton Senior Center and Upper Room and Assembly Worship Center. Michelle Darner, who helps organize the program at the church, said they often work with the other locations in sharing leftover food and getting people what they’re looking for.

The most recent market at Canal Lewisville featured cabbages, eggs, onions, potatoes, cantaloupes, corn and a variety of baked breads, cakes and doughnuts. Eligibility is based on income and eligibility forms are available at the church.

Darner said the church was approached about four years ago by the foodbank as they were looking for a location in that area of the county. She said the church was looking for a new mission at the time and thought it was a perfect fit. 

“It has been absolutely wonderful, just to know that we’re a part of helping with the hunger crisis in our community,” Darner said. 

Darner said along with church members, seniors from River View High School volunteer to help carry food and load vehicles for people when classes are in session. During the summer, extra help comes from the Ribbon Winners 4-H Club. Adviser Shirley Fry is a church member. 

“It’s a community service and good for them to see that there are people in need and they can help them,” Fry said of club members assisting. “People come here and really benefit from it.”

Roberta McVay has been getting items from the mobile market for a some time. She likes to cook from scratch, so after a trip to the market she usually just needs to be buy meat to be set for awhile on meals. 

“It helps a big need in the county. People need groceries and can’t afford all that fresh food,” she said. 

For more information on the mobile market, call the church at 740-622-3977. 

llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com
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