Christopher Dacanay
BROWSING — Volunteer Ronin Hartman greeted Donna Merrin in the line at the WEBA Outreach Food Pantry food box distribution.
WEBA Pantry: A Lifeline for Food Assistance in Amsterdam
In the heart of Amsterdam, Ohio, the WEBA Outreach Food Pantry is not just a service—it’s a beacon of hope for families and individuals facing food insecurity. Located at the former St. Joseph’s School, this dedicated nonprofit embodies the spirit of community support, engaging hundreds every month with essential food assistance.
A Growing Need for Food Assistance
Every fourth Saturday, the parking lot of WEBA transforms into a hive of activity, filled with cars and people eagerly awaiting their turn for food distributions. Twice a month, this seemingly ordinary location becomes extraordinary as it caters to those in need, a clear indication of a community rallying together in challenging times.
Founded in the early 1970s and revitalized in 2007, WEBA stands for Wolf Run, East Springfield, Bergholz, and Amsterdam. However, as every volunteer will insist, no one is ever turned away.
Distribution Schedule
- Food Box Distribution: Fourth Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Produce Distribution: Third Friday of each month, 9:30 a.m. until supplies last
A Legacy of Care
Penny Virtue, who has led the pantry for 15 years, reflects on its founding: “The need was undeniable. Many in our village are seniors or low-income families seeking assistance—and the numbers continue to grow.” This message reverberates through the community, as more families enroll in the pantry’s crucial services.
Partnering for Progress: Sourcing Food Sustainably
To support their mission, WEBA collaborates with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Ohio’s premier food bank serving over 20 counties. With a strategic purchasing model, WEBA ensures that quality produce and food items reach the families that count on them.
What’s in the Box?
Typically, distributions consist of:
- Canned goods
- Boxed foods
- Occasional meat or egg distributions
Despite frequent shortages of essentials like meat and eggs, WEBA demonstrates ingenuity by supplementing its supplies from local stores, ensuring families always leave with something nourishing.
Heroes Behind the Scenes: A Dedicated Volunteer Force
With a passionate volunteer base of around 30 individuals, every pair of hands counts. Before each distribution, volunteers—led by dedicated individuals like Paul Bright—collaboratively pray for those they serve, emphasizing the pantry’s deep sense of community and purpose.
“We ask you to be with the volunteers as they serve each and every one,” Bright fervently stated in his prayer before a busy day of distributions.
Meeting Diverse Needs of the Community
Attendance can soar depending on the month or weather, especially during winter holidays when the pantry might see up to 200 visitors. Registration is straightforward, ensuring that anyone within 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level can access much-needed support.
Cheryl Walters, a three-year volunteer, notes the increasing number of attendees: "Food prices are skyrocketing; we do the best we can." This sentiment is echoed by many, including Kathy Randalson, who marvels at the tireless work of her fellow volunteers.
Special Programs
WEBA also provides emergency assistance once a year for each individual, alongside specific support for the elderly or disabled, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive care.
The Community’s Heartbeat
Volunteers and beneficiaries alike reflect on the pantry’s impact. Theresa Taylor, a regular patron, relies on the services to supplement her limited food stamps. “It helps when I’m short on groceries,” she shares, highlighting the pantry’s vital role for households across Amsterdam.
Schools, local churches, and even fire departments actively contribute, making WEBA a wonderful example of community synergy in combating food insecurity. However, the pantry continuously seeks donations and volunteers to sustain its efforts.
Join the Movement
As WEBA Outreach Food Pantry steadfastly navigates the complexities of food distribution amidst rising demand, it remains more than just a food supplier; it’s a community lifeline, offering support, fellowship, and nourishment to its neighbors. If you’re looking to get involved or contribute, consider reaching out—every bit helps in creating a hunger-free community!
For more information on how you can support local food initiatives, click here.
Together, let’s further the mission of feeding those in need and strengthen the fabric of our community.
