Food Distribution Site at Ohio’s Wright State University Serves 1,400 Families During Pandemic

A food distribution site at Wright State University’s Nutter Center served 1,400 families on Tuesday as millions of Americans struggle to make ends meet as a result of the economic shutdowns across the country.

The Foodbank partnered with Wright State to distribute food to over 1,000 families, utilizing a “no-touch distribution method” —  loading food like chicken, eggs, pasta, potatoes, and various fruit and vegetables — into the back of people’s vehicles, according to the Wright State University Newsroom.

“The 30 Foodbank volunteers and 29 members of the Ohio National Guard working with the organization wore protective masks and gloves,” the newsroom added.

“The amount was enough to feed 4,594 people,” according to reports:

“Seeing this many cars out here just lets us know how crucial we really are right now,” National Guard member Harold Owens said. “It really makes me feel good inside to help them out.”

One of the recipients, Dayton resident Catrina Ely, said it was her first time receiving food from a distribution site.

““I have to feed my four children,” she said, explaining that she had been laid off from her job as a result of the coronavirus.

“We could not have done this without the partnership with Wright State. I’m telling you Raider pride is in full bloom today,” Cathy Ponitz, a volunteer at the site, said. “We couldn’t be prouder of Wright State for saying yes.”

The news comes as millions of Americans across the country lose their jobs due to the shutdowns caused by the pandemic, spurring an increased need for food distribution centers.

Similarly, a Foodshare drive-through food bank in Hartford, Connecticut, has drawn massive lines, supplying hundreds of families in their time of need: