The challenges we’ve faced individually and collectively in 2020 will remain etched in our memories for a lifetime. But as the new year begins, 2021 can mark a time for the hope, the kind that comes with a new beginning. The lessons gained from 2020 are varied, but for us at Second Harvest, we believe one is the recognition of how much we need each other.
Cold weather is about to make outdoor food distributions at Second Harvest difficult, which is why Columbia Gas has donated outdoor equipment. Before COVID-19, Second Harvest would distribute food inside school buildings. But now that everything has moved to drive-thrus outside, cold weather could present a challenge.
Norva Ross has been at the helm of Pathways Enrichment Center in Lorain since 1995. Pathways serves all of Lorain County and is located in the middle of one of Lorain’s food desert areas. Since the pandemic hit in April, Norva has been open every week and has been serving twice the amount of families as she usually sees. Over 4,300 families have attended one of Pathway’s distributions in 2020. Norva was able to work with Second Harvest, National Guard soldiers, and her dedicated team of volunteers to improvise and adopt a drive-thru distribution model in a very limited space. She much prefers giving community members a choice of food, but always consults the food pyramid when planning out pre-packed pantry boxes.
We are grateful for the Ohio National Guard soldiers and airmen serving with us at Second Harvest. They have been with us since March 23, 2020 when Governor DeWine approved their deployment in the early stages of the pandemic. Because of their help, distributions large and small were conducted safely, efficiently and in a timely manner. National Guard members do more than just distribute food. They drive Second Harvest's trucks, unload semis, help in the warehouse and pack boxes of food. The need remains critical and the help is paramount in serving the volume of food to families all across the state, especially as we go through the winter months. Nothing can change the deep debt of gratitude we have for these men and women who stand strong as partners with us in feeding our neighbors.
