More people seeking help at Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley
Food insecurity needs more access to sustainable, reliable food and other resources.
In 2022, 14.9% of Mahoning County residents suffered from food insecurity, according to Feeding America.
That was 36.7% higher than the national average.
Groups like the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley help people access food and shelter in times of need.
“We anticipate more individuals coming to us for assistance and daily meals,” said John Muckridge, president and CEO of Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. “People on the financial edge have less consistent access to nutritious, fresh groceries and essential hygiene items. This is where the Rescue Mission comes in.”
According to the Rescue Mission’s records, even more, people struggle to find enough food for their families this year.
From January through March this year, the mission volunteers served 25,766 meals.
During the same three months last year, only 10,612 meals were served, an increase of 143% in a year.
According to the mission, the volunteers cook, serve, and do dishes for an average of 5,000 more meals monthly.
The dining hall serves three full meals daily at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
How do you donate?
“I know this is a rough time for our Valley, everyone is feeling the strain,” Muckridge said. “We know how to stretch a dollar at the mission and our team is committed to being the best stewards possible of every gift.”
Food donations for the dining hall can be dropped off daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the rear of the mission. Head to 1300 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Cash contributions can be given online or mailed to P.O. Box 298 Youngstown, Ohio 44501.
Most needed food items in the kitchen include number 10 size cans of tomato sauce, cereal, corn, canned fruit, butter, ranch dressing, Italian dressing and instant oatmeal.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 3:58 PM.