Hunger strikes adults
Some in Washington County must choose between food and billsBy Erin E. O’Neill, eoneill@mariettatimes.com
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Fact Box
This is the final day of a series of stories examining hunger in Washington County.
Today's stories will deal with adults facing hunger and ways families can eat healthily without breaking the bank.
Saturday's story looked at the link between hunger and obesity. Stories on page D1 focused on some of the assistance programs available to feed area children.
Friday's story looked at the number of area children who are eligible for free or reduced school breakfasts and lunches and summer feeding programs and how many are taking advantage of those programs.
Washington County residents served by food pantries:
2007 - 22,102.
2008 - 25,567.
Source: Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeastern Ohio.
Area food pantries:
Belpre Food Pantry, 2300 Washington Blvd., Belpre; 423-2069.
Beverly/Waterford Food Pantry, P.O. Box 7, Beverly; 984-2807.
New Matamoras Food Pantry, P.O. Box 205, New Matamoras; 865-2990.
L.A.M.B. Food Pantry and Thrift Shop, 309 Walnut St., Lowell.
Marietta Church of God Food Pantry, 501 Colegate Drive, Marietta; 373-4219.
Marietta Community Food Pantry, 318 Front St., Marietta; 373-5741.
Newport Food Pantry, P.O. Box 145, Newport; 473-2900.
Tri-County Food Pantry, 1040 Paw Creek Road, Lower Salem; 585-2143.
Western Washington County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 151, Vincent; 678-1065 or 678-2189.
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» Eat healthy on a tight budgetSo often when it comes to talking about hunger, children are the focus.
But as the economy continues to dwindle, the hunger crisis is hitting home with adults in the area as well.
Parents, when forced with the decision to feed their kids, pay utilities or feed themselves, often go without. Seniors on fixed incomes often have to choose between food and prescriptions.
Carrie McNamee, director of senior and community services with Community Action, thinks that, while there are a few programs available locally, there probably aren't enough resources to really combat the problem.
"It's hard to predict. But I think that with the economy, we are going to see more people locally who are in need of food," she said, "and more seniors who need to make the choice between eating and paying for medications."
Marilyn Sloan with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeastern Ohio, said there are nine active food pantries in Washington County.
"The need is growing greatly (in Washington County), as it is across the nation," she said.
In 2007, 22,102 individuals were served. For 2008, that number stands at 25,567. Of that number, 18,563 were over the age of 18.
According to census records, the population of Washington County is approximately 60,000.
"They are seeing such a growing need (in the 18-plus age group) because a lot of them qualify for small food stamps but not enough to get them through," Sloan said.
There is also a potential problem with homelessness due to foreclosures and layoffs in the area that could impact the number of adults going hungry, Sloan said.
Community Action offers lunch Monday through Friday for folks 60 and older beginning at noon in the basement of the O'Neill Senior Center at 333 Fourth St., Marietta. The menu consists of healthful and seasonal meals.
Vesta Kidd, site manager, said a donation of $3 is requested. That money goes back into the program to help when the program goes over its yearly allotment, which they usually do, she said.
"But we will not refuse service for anyone," Kidd said.
There was a decline in the number of donations in December, she said.
The meals are prepared by a licensed dietitian with the Area Agency on Aging according to U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines and include fare fit for diabetics.
The same meals are delivered to homebound folks in the county, as well.
"I definitely prefer it over fast food," said Williamstown resident, Richard Fisher, 65. "It's good, hot and definitely a lot cheaper."
Fisher says he takes advantage of the program nearly every day when he is not busy volunteering to help other seniors. Fisher does most of the cooking at home, he said, because his wife is on oxygen.
Eating the lunch Community Action provides allows him to take a break, socialize and save a little money.
"It's a good service and it would be a crying shame if we lost it," he said.
Currently, there are 140 participants and 168 people on the waiting list for the Meals at Home program, according to McNamee, which, like a lot of programs, is facing funding issues.
Angel Food Ministries is another local program that has no income guidelines but offers items such as chicken breasts, strip steaks, carrots, eggs and rice for around $30. The food is enough, according to their Web site, to feed a family of four for a week. Orders are distributed on a monthly basis at Beverly Baptist Church, and Second Congregational and St. Mary Catholic churches in Marietta. Food stamps are accepted.
The Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, also offers programs on food safety, budgeting and more. The Family Nutrition Program, funded by the USDA, is available for food stamp-eligible clientele.
Last year, the Extension office provided 225 classes at senior sites, Job and Family Services, WASCO, House of Hope and other area locations, according to Cindy Styer, Extension office associate, family and consumer sciences. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program offers an eight-lesson course and last year had 45 graduates.
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Johanna
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01-20-09 7:30 PM
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Agree with MY2CentsWorth...Unfortunately in this area there are proud folks that fall through the cracks. They are not Homebound..so do not qualify for meals on wheels but they have to make choices of meds or food to survive!!! Too bad we can't do more.
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ladynoogs
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01-20-09 11:17 AM
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looks like gothkid is a hit and runner.
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My2CentsWorth
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01-20-09 2:12 AM
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I am one of the fortunate ones. I have never had this hardship. I do however remember my parents speaking of going with out so the kids could eat. I worked home nursing for several years and it was not uncommon years ago for the elderly to have to choose between food, meds and heat for their home. It's not a new thing but is becoming more of an issue of late. It's a shame that it happens but it is totally terrible for someone to come on here and be so insensitive as to say just order pizza...DUH! if they could afford smittys I am sure they would order it! How insensitive can you be??!!!
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ladynoogs
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01-19-09 11:42 PM
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finallap.... that is true.. and that disgusts me.. especially if thier kids are going hungry... Gothkid i certainly hope you NEVER have to go threw real hunger like coltsmommy, my sons, and my husband have. not eating for days.. not knowing when you will have your next meal.. its scary... my husband STILL has issues with his hunger as a child.
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Finallap
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01-19-09 11:09 PM
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I know some people their cigarettes and beer are more important than putting food on the table
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ColtsMommy
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01-19-09 10:10 PM
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Kid...Being hungry isn't the time right before dinner when your stomach is growling. Being hungry is not eating meals...maybe for days, and not knowing if/when the next one is coming. You obviously & fortunately haven't been there, but there are many in this area that haven't ate anything today and may not eat tomorrow. Chew on that for a while.
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Johanna
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01-19-09 9:35 PM
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Agree with Coltsmommy, Lady N and F.T. I had the pleasure of delivering meals on wheels with a friend a few years back. I loved it! It doesn't take much to make a few extra servings or x-tra soup to share!! Gothkid...grow up. Learn a little repect for others.
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fairytales
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01-19-09 9:28 PM
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Absolutely Gree with Lady N and Coltsmommy!! Gothkid...what an ignorant post. Can't your Mommy cook?
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ColtsMommy
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01-19-09 8:24 PM
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I'm not doing anything that wasn't done for me at one time. Aren't we supposed to care for one another? That is how I was raised. Respect. Honesty. Responsibility.
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ladynoogs
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01-19-09 2:30 PM
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Coltsmommy.... i've noticed its those of us who have been there.. that do the most to help others who ARE there.... the best tippers i've ever met are those who have been the ones serving for tips.... those who help at the food pantries are those who know what its like to need to go there. thank you for what you do for others... you are a blessing to those you help
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ColtsMommy
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01-19-09 1:26 PM
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I remember days when I didn't eat. Not by choice, but because there wasn't any food. I understand being hungry and not knowing when the next meal is coming. Maybe that is why I am one of the first to give what I have to help someone who was once like me. Many of my neighbors are older and on fixed incomes. It isn't expensive to make a giant pot of chicken noodle soup and take it to the neighbors on a cold day. Don't forget to shovel the snow in their driveway while you are at it. You don't have to have money to help someone. You just have to have a good heart. I know my neighbors appreciate it. And I feel good knowing I have helped.
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ladynoogs
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01-19-09 12:32 PM
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it's a sad day when our ederly and our children are hungry. I know lots of elderly who litterally have to choose between food and medicine.... the pharmacutical companies need slapped with some price caps!
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peppie
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01-19-09 10:57 AM
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My husband and I eat at the O'Neill Center occasionally and the meals served are very nutritious.
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