Food markets fill the gaps for many residents

ZANESVILLE - Eastside Community Ministry was one of the first area organizations to assist families with a free fresh produce market.

Seven years later, its contributions, with the assistance of the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, remain vital to the community.

"It would be really hard to have enough without this," said Zanesville's Serina Wilson, whose household is five members, including one child. "I come here every month and am very grateful for this. My family loves fruits and vegetable so it means a lot to get those here."

The monthly market is held on the last Friday of each month at the First Baptist Church, located at 80 E. Main St. in South Zanesville.

Event Coordinator Linda Hollingsworth said the market is not open in July or August due to Eastside's role in Lace Up for Kids and Tools for School, but will return on Sept. 28.

She noted West Muskingum Schools host a market on the first Saturday of each month, and New Covenant Church, located at 36 S. Shawnee Ave. in Zanesville, holds one on the second Friday of each month. So those who typically reply on Eastside for monthly supplements have options during their down months.

"Mid-Ohio held a meeting seven, eight years ago and that's how we found out and got started," Hollingsworth said. "We held this outside, but First Baptist has graciously allowed us to use their gym so we can hold the event year-round. Having a supplier like Mid-Ohio provides households with plenty of food, especially fruits and vegetables." Mid-Ohio provides food for such markets in 20 counties.

The Eastside market usually assists between 225 and 250 households and eligibility is based on federal guidelines, which change on July 1. This past year, a household of four with an annual income of $49,199 or under was eligible.

Hollingsworth said 35 to 40 volunteers aid the effort, and the selection goes beyond fruits and vegetables with eggs, yogurt, orange juice and cereals being among the other items available.

People must fill out a form and present a photo ID or proof of address to participate, and Hollingsworth said only one person or household per address is permitted.

"Columbus is a big test market so there are times where we get some different items in here," Hollingsworth said. "Muskingum is ranked low on nutrition level so the market is full of healthy items to meet those needs."

Being on a fixed income is why Stephen Lee needs to visit the market. He noted he and his wife can take care of basic bills, but this allows them to have enough food for the month.

"We have enough money to pay rent, gas, electric and basics, but not enough to afford all the food we need," Lee said. "This is very important because it subsidizes what we do have. Without this, there would be times where we would not have enough."

Francis Guthrie, of Philo, is in a similar situation with her funds. She shared her gratitude of having a market available for the entire community.

"This is very important, not only to myself, but a lot of people," she said. "This makes up for the gaps and helps me out. It's really wonderful that Eastside does this because it helps so many people."

bhannahs@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

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Twitter: @brandonhannahs