Help spread the word— Find food, utility assistance

• By Gary McBride
• Published: December 27, 2018

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Alongside the signs of holiday prosperity in the village, Yellow Springs has its share of people in need. Fortunately, there are numerous programs in the area that are ready to help and are looking to assist as many people as possible.

Area food pantry services include:

• The United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 202 S. Winter St., open the second and fourth Thursday each month from 2 to 4 p.m. The next scheduled opening is Dec. 27. In addition, the pantry will have special hours Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 6–8 p.m.

• The Little Free Pantry on Walnut Street behind First Presbyterian Church is self-serve, available 24 hours a day to all village residents. Donations are always welcome.

• The mobile food pantry, operated by Foodbank of Dayton, comes to the John Bryan Community Center, 100 Dayton St., usually the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 1 to 2 p.m. Due to the Christmas holiday, the December stop took place on the 17th. The next stop is scheduled for Jan. 22. For information, call 937-461-0265 or visit thefoodbankdayton.org.

• Take-home groceries are available during the Beloved Community Project’s monthly community meal at First Presbyterian Church, 314 Xenia Ave. Their next event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19, from noon to 2 p.m.

“Food insecurity” is the ongoing uncertainty where one’s next meal is coming from, and is a day-in, day-out challenge. The News has reported that about 1 in 4 Yellow Springs residents are eligible for income-based food assistance.

Those providing assistance hope to spread awareness, as only a fraction of those who qualify take advantage of the programs. Eligibility guidelines vary by program, but generally those at 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines will qualify.

In addition to these food-related programs, services are available to help those with other essential needs.

• The Miami Valley Community Action Partnership offers home energy assistance to those who qualify. For information, visit http://www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880, option 2.

• The Village Assistance Network’s $10 Club helps villagers through rough times, assisting with utility bills, financial emergencies or other necessities. To apply for assistance, or to donate, see the Facebook group or visit tendollarclub.weebly.com.

• The free clinic at Central Chapel AME will resume normal hours Jan. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, 411 S. High Street. The staff can help with minor illnesses, physicals, health screenings, or assistance with insurance, medications, benefits, and other health related matters. (See the story in the Dec. 13 edition of the News.)

• Yellow Springs Police Dept. Community Outreach Specialist Florence Randolph can connect villagers with additional resources, including referrals to Yellow Springs Emergency Assistance. Call the YSPD at 937-767-7206.

• The Police Department also operates its Coat Fund, to provide coats, hats, boots and other winter wear for children in need. Contact the YSPD for details.

• For information on other programs that may be available, contact the Ohio Benefit Bank at 1-800-648-1176 or e-mail mpage@thefoodbankdayton.org.

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