SIDNEY — In America, food is so plentiful. Why are folks experiencing food insecurity? Why are people right here in Shelby County having issues feeding their families even if they are employed?
Agape Distribution in downtown Sidney, Ohio is on a mission to conquer food insecurity throughout Shelby County.
“We are dedicated to spreading a food safety-net for everyone who is in need in Shelby County,” said Agape’s Chief Executive Officer John Geissler. “Because of the generosity of so many, Agape was able to acquire, stock and distribute 2,300,000 pounds of food this year at a cost to us of 10 cents a pound. This is nutritious food that is available free, to anyone in need.
“When Agape receives a donation of say, $3.50, we are able to put 35 pounds of food on the dinner table,” said Geissler. “Over 2,000 families in Shelby County sat down to healthy meals last year due to everyone’s generosity.”
Agape Distribution, 209 S. Brooklyn Ave., in Sidney, its staff, volunteers and outreach programs have exceeded expectations since it’s inception in 1995. Creating an innovative plan to be self-sufficient, the Agency Store was established to turn profits from sales into Agape food purchases. The store also aids non-profit agencies buy much needed supplies for their missions at deeply discounted rates.
“Agape is really a hidden helper,” said Geissler. “We have 145 non-profit agencies registered to shop at the Agency Store, we provide food pantry items for 24 Shelby County churches, and we partner with Shelby County United Way, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley and the Mercy Mission House, just to name a few. In this way, we have been able to serve 18% of the Shelby County population. We want to eliminate food insecurity in Shelby County.”
To find out more, enroll to volunteer, register to receive food, or donate to Agape Distribution, please visit their website, www.agapedistribution.org, or call 937-498-4368.
