As many families know, weekends can quickly fill up with errands, kid sports, outdoor activities or prepping for the upcoming week. Weekends can be extra challenging for families who are food insecure.
Food2Go is a local food program that provides weekend meals for preschoolers through twelfth graders in Centerville City Schools. The program began in 2008 and is based at Living Hope Church.
Melissa Moorman has been the director of Food2Go for three years. “Food2Go gives kids access to food sources on the weekend when they might not have adequate resources,” she says. “The food supplied through Food2Go is also something the students can prepare for themselves, like microwaveable mac and cheese or oatmeal. It is a balancing act of finding the healthiest foods that kids will eat and can prepare on their own.”
Last year, Food2Go helped an average of 160 kids per week across all 13 schools in Centerville and Melissa shares that they expect to serve about 200 students this school year. All Centerville students are eligible and the program is not income based. “It was a surprise to a lot of people that there was this type of need in Centerville,” she explains. “It is such a simple thing to take care of and we have the resources.”
Melissa volunteered occasionally with the program before becoming the director.
“I was already part of the volunteer staff at Living Hope Church when the opportunity opened up to lead Food2Go,” she shares. “The organization stood out to me because of how it aligned with my belief in the importance of taking care of someone's physical needs before they can receive help in any other way.”
There are more than 30 volunteers who pack and deliver bags of food. Jasmine Davies has volunteered with the program for about four years. She learned about Food2Go through the church, where she has been a member for nearly eight years. “I started picking up food orders at Sam’s Club and delivering those to the church,” Jasmine says. “I am now one of the packers. We pack the food and load up the totes.”
Jasmine, who has three kids, has been bringing her children to volunteer for the past couple of years. “When I first learned about Food2Go, it seemed like good, simple work and something I wanted to be part of, especially knowing it directly impacts kids’ lives,” she explains. “Come as you are and give what you can. Even if you come once a month, you can make an impact. It can be as easy as picking up food when you’re at the store and dropping it off. It is a small pull on your time and attention, but it has a really big impact.”
Melissa notes that volunteers are always needed to help pack food. A list of accepted foods is also available on the program’s website.
According to Melissa, financial donations are the biggest help. Food2Go purchases most of the food through Sam’s Club, so they have items in bulk for packing hundreds of bags each week.
“I love how Food2Go truly works because a community works together,” she enthuses. “The schools identify the students who need the resources. Our volunteers are of all ages and come from all over the community. We have many local businesses, clubs, organizations and individuals that partner with us to give financially or donate food.”
Local supporters of Food2Go include the Centerville Washington Foundation, Philly Pretzel Factory, Centerville Women’s Civic Club, Kettering-Centerville Kiwanis Club, the Centerville Noon Optimists and more.
“Food2Go’s support can help both the student and family focus on other things instead of food. It impacts students, families and schools by partnering with them and showing that the community cares and they are not alone,” Melissa adds.
Families can also contact their student’s teacher or counselor if they need to participate in the program.“We all feel the pinch of groceries costing more. We’re trying to help all families who need that assistance,” she emphasizes.
To volunteer, donate or for more information, visit ELivingHope.com/Food2Go.
“The organization stood out to me because of how it aligned with my belief in the importance of taking care of someone's physical needs before they can receive help in any other way.”
“Food2Go’s support can help both the student and family focus on other things instead of food. It impacts students, families and schools by partnering with them and showing that the community cares and they are not alone.”