Ohio foodbanks starting to go hungry

As the coronavirus pandemic enters its third year, Ohio’s foodbanks are in a perilous state, an official who helps run them said Wednesday.

The centers have gotten through the crisis with special relief funds and help from the National Guard. But as happened repeatedly through the pandemic, foodbanks are facing increasing strains as temporary relief is poised to expire, said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.

Worse, the foodbanks’ calls for help are being made to a pandemic-weary public.

“Here we are, 22 months into this, and we’re looking down the barrel at the fifth surge (of coronavirus) and I would say there’s less compassion and concern among the general population,” Hamler-Fugitt said. “I get that everybody’s tired of this, but just think about the folks who are on the front lines.”

The foodbanks, nutrition source of last resort for many Ohioans, are facing the same headwinds as many other sectors.

Read more: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/01/07/ohio-foodbanks-starting-to-go-hungry/