The Shelby County United Way partnered with the West Ohio Food Bank to facilitate a drive thru food distribution on Friday, May 15th from 10:00am to Noon at Sidney High School. In addition to the West Ohio Food Bank and the Shelby County United Way, the Ohio National Guard and many community volunteers participated with the distribution. Scot Barr, President of the Shelby County United Way, “We anticipated between 70,000 and 90,000 pounds of fresh, refrigerated, and frozen food in addition to the traditional boxed and canned goods being distributed. Shelby County has had over 4,000 resident’s employment impacted, and many may need additional food support. We appreciate West Ohio Food Bank’s role in coordinating the food drive.” Shelby County residents in need of food entered the Sidney High School Campbell Rd. main entrance with a photo I.D. To help track numbers served, residents were asked about family size and income. Separately from the photo I.D., residents did not need to bring any other documentation.
About Shelby County United Way
The Shelby County United Way is a local 501c3 non-profit organization. Monies raised in the annual campaign are invested locally under the leadership and direction of our local volunteer Board of Directors and Community Allocation Volunteers. Last year, over 17,000 residents were served by United Way programming. Shelby County United Way awards funds through agency allocations, Special Project Grants, P.O.W.E.R. grants (United Way’s women initiatives group.), and Student United Way Grants. Over 40 organizations, churches, and volunteer groups benefit from United Way funding. During the COVID-19 Crisis, an additional $65,000 has been awarded to agencies assisting residents with food assistance as well as rent and utility assistance. The Shelby County United Way has also partnered with the Community Foundation of Shelby County on the creation of the Recovery 2020 fund that is administering grants to local non-profit organizations whose work was impacted with increased demand during the COVID-19 crisis.